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A UNIQUE BO OK. 

THE NEW SOUTH; 

OR, 

Southern Sentiment Since The War. 



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{Embracing Scenes among the CAUCASIANS, and among the 
Negroes ; Verdict of Justice ; Triumph of Truth ; 
Era of Brotherly-Love ; Strictures on War ; 
Eelation of The "Races;" &c, &c). 

/by 
JAMES T. LASSELL, A. M. 



_ APR 21 1887.// 



^WASHiis"^' 



PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 

John Murphy & Co., Baltimore. 
1887. 






Copyrighted, 1887, by James T. Lassell, A M. 



DEDICATION 



To Politicians, to whose zeal there stand 
Unnumbered monuments throughout our land 
— Low mounds, beneath which lie the marble brows 
Of myriads slain in war, and o'er which bows 
Thefnation, still, in grief: 

To those in " grey " 
And " blue," who, voice of duty, did obey ; 
Who left the dear ones and the joys of home 
For country's sake — as each viewed " country" — come 
What might : 

To those who patriotism prove 
By pouring waters, from the springs of love, 
On smould'ring embers of the section' 1 strife 
Wherever found, till embers lose their life : 

To votaries of Peace, throughout the world 
Who would rejoice to see War swiftly hurled 
From earth to realm, whence first he, raging, came 
To lead the nations forth to deeds of shame : 

To all these classes, he who undertook 
To write for pastime, dedicates his book. 
While to all those who have the taste and time 
To read a strange eventful trip, in rhyme, 
Presenting scenes where truth and fancy blend, 
He would this poem, modestly, commend. 



ENTERING. UPON THE TRIP. 



A Trip Through the South, 



ENTERING UPON THE TRIP. 

Like sated Wolf from mangled flock, War had from 

this, our torn 
And bleeding, land retired : like Shepherdess, from 

flight forlorn, 
Peace had returned, and entered on her office with 

success, 
Leading the remnant of the flock afield with fond 

caress : 
— Where crowded ranks of soldiers had been mar- 
shalled on the plains, 
There stood great hosts — line after line — of shocks 

of various grains : 
— Forgotten graves in which with haste the fallen 

had been thrown 
On hill-sides bare, were hid by groves of oak and 

pine full-grown, 

9 



10 FESTIVITIES. 

"When to the South* again I rode on self-same steed 

which bore 
Me swiftly o'er its hills and plains, in troubled days 

of yore 
The " Birth-Day of The Nation" with its gladness 

had returned ; 
And grandsires told to children young true stories 

they had learned 
From fathers, buried " years ago" of battles which 

were won 
By " bare-foot soldiers following the noble Wash- 
ington ; " 
Of wondrous deeds of daring done, and sufferings 

great endured, 
By those whose blood and bravery had long ago 

procured 
For us the priceless blessings which our "Independ- 
ence" yields; 
— As sowings bring the harvests that are garnered 

from the fields. 
The spirit of the "OLDEX TIME" was ev'ry- 

where abroad ; 
And, with that spirit, actions did, on ev'ry hand, 

accord. 
The old and young, both, gathered on that gala-day 

in grove 



^Reference is here made to a visit to the South during the 
War described in " The Raid" 1 (unpublished). 



FESTIVITIES. 11 

Or shaded lawn to feast: and many a youth and 

maid there wove 
With tender words and actions as the mystic warp 

and woof 
A heart-bond strong of mutual love ; while others 

gave a proof 
(Agreed upon through glances) of a love confirmed 

and pure 
By slyly joining hands beneath the flag with field 

azure 
And galaxy of silver stars and stripes of white and 

red 
— Fit emblem of strong union — as it floated then 

o'er head. 
At homes, too, there was feasting where glad yeomen 

and their wives 
Well entertained companions of their early child- 
hood-lives. 
The tear which came to matron's eye at thought of 

dear one dead, 
Was brushed away before was e ? en its tiny shadow 

shed 
Upon the scene made bright with smiles by buoyant- 
hearted joy, 
Whilst panorama of the past, did Memory's skill 

employ. 
The country store and open space in front were 

occupied 
By men and well-grown boys, who with &* J 
-d 



12 FESTIVITIES. 

In word and deed of jest and sport j while all who 

passed that way 
Received and gave back shouts of joy in honor of 

the day. 
Old cannon were dug up from where they stood as 

hitching-posts 
In towns, or borrowed at junk-shops, and dragged 

along by hosts. 
With ropes, to vacant lots and fired, full-charged, 

while lying prone, 
Amid loud shouts, the like of which, by some, had 

ne'er been known. 
At well-selected spots within the shade, men, elo- 
quent, 
And learned in various lore, with wit and fact and 

pathos blent, 
Assembled multitudes engaged, amused, convinced, 

and moved 
In patriotic speech, which shouts and smiles and tears 

approved. 
The sound of gun in field and wood ; the tonguing 

of the hound 
Heard in the copse along the streams where fox and 

deer abound ; 
Full many anglers old and young, on bridges span- 
ning stream, 
Or, in canoes staked at the spots where trout and 

perch did gleam 
""" --lio'ht, as to surface calm they oft did gayly 



THE "NEWS" RECEIVED. 13 

To gather food or take fresh air, or view the gorgeous 

skies 
— These scenes and sounds attested well that sports- 
men used the day, 
As one of special privilege to take all kinds of 

prey. 
While thus on land and stream, at home, at public 

place, in field, 
In grove, in grass-grown woodland path, and where 

the soil doth yield 
To fawn's light tread, and harelets tremble at the 

wild-cat's voice, 
Moved Pleasure, clothed in Freedom's robe, and 

cried to all " Rejoice ! " 
The whir of evil angels' wings by ev'ry ear was 

heard ; 
And on each heart, all bright with joy, their shadows 

fell; and word, 
Borne thro' the air from North which told those 

demons' mission dread, 
Affrighted Pleasure, who though robed in " Stars 

and Stripes" quick fled ! 
Pale Consternation swiftly came, and with her magic 

wand 
Touched ev'ry brow and chilled the blood of all 

within -that land. 
As browsing doe and sportive fawn, far down within 

the brake, 
Bewildered at the locomotive's shriek do start and 

quake; 
2 



14 THE "NEWS" RECEIVED. 

As husbandmen receive the signs of coming summer- 
storm ; 

As woodman lone, in forest views a stranger's lifeless 
form ; 

As sleeping townsmen look abroad when 'roused by 
cry of "Fire!"; 

As young man hears an insult offered to an aged sire ; 

So — variously — the Southrons heard, upon that gala- 
day, 

The sudden news that Garfield, Head of this great 
nation, lay 

A-dying at the Capitol of deep and painful wound 

Inflicted by a skulking foe who shot him to the 
ground. 

" The news" became absorbing theme of all, both 
old and young ; 

And wrathful words were freely spoke by many a 
trenchant tongue. 

But one, alone, of all I heard in careless manner 
spoke, 

— And he was born on Northern soil — whose lan- 
guage did provoke 

Contempt in all, and 'roused to wrath a score or more 
of those 

AVho erst had met on bloody fields, brave northern 
men as foes. 

Among the "score" a princely man whose counte- 
nance did glow 

With righteous ire, replied in words which swift 
and smooth did flow, 



THE "NEWS" RECEIVED. 15 

And with inherent, sparkling, heat did brightly, 

fiercely burn 
— Like stream of molten iron comes from moulder's 

pouring-urn ; 
He closed : " The man, whose heartless speech you 

heard, has my disdain ! 
— Who feels no grief at this sad hour, could do the 

deed of Cain ! " 
All efforts at enjoyment now were formal failures; so, 
The multitudes went homeward (but they moved in 

large groups, slow,) 
While yet the sun had gone beyond the zenith scarce 

a pace, 
As he majestically rushed ' like strong man in a race/* 
— Whilst with a throng of strangers mixed 

With friends, I rode and thought, 
A spirit, which attends man oft, 

Approached ; yet no one caught 
The fanning of her well-trained wing 

Except myself aloue 
To whom she spoke with greeting kind 

And in most winning tone, 
As with her hand she gently touched 

My brow : " Canst thou not see 
Throughout this land the wondrous scenes 

Which plain appear to me ? " 
" My vision is enlarged," I said, 
In softly whispered word, 

* Psalm xiv. 



16 A VISION. 

And started, lest e'en that had been 

By some one overheard. 
" What dost thou see? " she said, " Look well, 

For open to thy view 
Are scenes such as no mortal eye 

Unaided, ever knew ! " 
" I see, I s-e-e," said I ; but slow 

The words came from my tongue, 
As all enrapt I gazed ! — The ghosts 

Of those, both old and young, 
Who had within that land once lived 

And died, for years agone, 
Moving about and standing still 

In groups as men had done 
Upon that day of gladness marred 

By sadness, plain I saw, 
As mariner sees distant things 

Which close his glass doth draw. 
Into the distance, first, I looked, 

As one upon tall peak 
Will first the outer border scan 

Of landscape, ere he'll seek 
The beauties and the wonders which 

On ev'ry hand lie near, 
Because the field of vision doth 

So much enlarged appear. 
My eye moved slowly, like the wave, 

(Which, safe, the sea-shell, bore 
Wherein the infant Venus lay,) 

Moved t'ward Cythera's shore, 






A VISION. 17 

When Zephyrus, with bated breath, 

Whispered to anxious Deep : 
" I'll gently waft the tiny bark, 

So that your babe may sleep ! " * 
Or, like the shadow of a cloud 

On field of pasture moves, 
When grazing flock, by walking, keeps 

The shade it so much loves, 
And well discerned, when I looked near, 

Distinct in form and face, 
The ghosts of many, I had known 

In flesh ; and I could trace 
The signs of sadness on each brow, 

And that, too, even while 
Each looked with recognizing glance, 

And gave me friendly smile. 
My cicerone bade me note 

That each ghost in right hand 
Bore what appeared to be a staff 

Wrapped with a silken band. 
" What do they bear in hand ? " I said : 

" Those are their flags, close furled," 
Said she, " for they, too, feel the grief 

Which has on you been hurled. 
Those ghosts, when first they heard (before 

The coming of the dawn) 

* Mythology tells us that Venus was born of the foam of the sea ; 
and was placed in a sea-shell which was wafted by Zephyrus 
to the island of Cythera. 

2* 



18 A VISION. 

The boom of joy-guns and the sound 

Of huntsman's signal horn, 
Although they had but late returned 

From rambling in the air, 
Came eager from their graves again 

That they the joy might share 
Of celebrating this great day 

Which had not for long years 
Been greeted as, in olden time, 

It used to be, with cheers. 
The flags they bear are photographs 

Of nature's lights and shades, 
Bedecked with sparkles from the gems 

Which nightly crown the blades 
Of grass that grow upon the graves 

Of soldiers, who with might 
Contended, and who gave their lives, 

For liberty and right ! 
The staff on which each flag is set 

Was twig upon that tree 
Which flourishes within this land 

— You, by my aid, can see 
Its trunk and boughs which rise and spread 

To lakes and gulf and sea — 
Shading and feeding ev'ry one 

— The Tree of Liberty!" 
" O, look ! " she cried, " there moves a group 

Of soldiers, dressed in 'grey/ 
Just as they fell ! They far have come 

To be at home to-dav. 



THE VISION VANISHES. 19 

Each has a small Confederate flag 

Full flying at his crest ; 
For while that flag above them waved 

They bravely sank to rest : 
But, also, each bears in his hand 

A Federal flag, close furled 
In grief, for that flag would be theirs 

Were they now in ' the world? 
Look ! with them there is one in ' blue ! ' 

— Far otf in yonder wood, 
He lay and died, but wJien or why 

Was never understood. 
An angel-friend alone was near, 

(One that attends the brave,) 
Yet strangers, (Southrons,) made for him 

Where he was found, a grave ! 
He has not visited his home 

Far in the northern-land 
To-day ; but staid, at warm request 

Of that Confederate band, 
That he might be their honored guest 

As friend, nay brother dear, 
And o'er the group, ( The Stars and Stripes ' 

— Flag of the Fathers ! — bear ! " 
Just then I thought I felt hot breath 

Upon my cheeks ; and turned 
To see what friendly ghost had drawn 

So near ; and well discerned 
Imagination's shad'wy form 

Departing quick as thought ! 



20 THE CHANGE. 

'Twas Reason's hand that touched my cheeks 

And to them burning brought, 
As lie Imagination drove 

Away, and placed again 
Before my eyes the veil which hides 

The world of ghosts, from men. 
The friend who closest to me rode 

Was quick to catch the sight 
Of color spreading o'er my face 

( — As doth the solar light 
Flame at the East and spread o'er land 

And sea in golden flood, 
When bright-eyed Morn, with cloudless brow, 

Greets Earth in cheerful mood — ) 
And asked me where my thoughts had been, 

That I should blush like maid ? 
" I feel no guilt ; but I have seen 

A vision strange ! " I said. 
I felt cold tongues of paleness cross 

My brow, but not to stay 
( — As polar lights gleam high, then low, 

Flash out, and die away — ) 
Whilst Memory the present changed 

To past, and plainly showed 
War-scenes afresh ! — But I was 'roused 

By sudden halt in road, 
Made by the throng with which I moved 

( — As wind-mill-keeper wakes 
From slumber deep, when sail-arms stop 
And mill no longer shakes.) 



SCENE IN THE COURT OF A MANSION. 21 

Beneath a tree of foPage dense which stood within 

a court 
Spacious, and ornamented with rich flowers of rarest 

sort 
And shrubs indigenous and foreign sat an aged man 
Reclining partly in a large arm-chair ; whilst with 

a fan 
A maiden cooled his brow — another fixed beneath 

his head 
A pillow — and full oft was heard the question : "Is 

he dead?" 
Uttered by persons on the outskirts of the multitude 
That had just halted in the road through deep solici- 
tude 
For welfare of the aged one, who tenderly was 

loved 
By all, for, through a long, long life a grand man 

he had proved. 
Dismounting I with difficulty moved among the 

crowd 
Until I reached the court- gate, when I spoke my 

wish aloud : 
"May we not come within the court, and gather 

close around 
Our aged father in distress? We'll sit upon the 

ground, 
If nearness to him while we stand, would be against 

his ease ! " 
" Come ! " said the aged sire, " and sit or stand, just 

as you please ! " 



22 SCENE IN THE COURT OF A MANSION. 

We entered as do worshipers into a temple go, 

— Silent and solemn, moving, too, with lightened step 

and slow — 
And took our places ev'ry where within the spacious 

yard, 
Not only in the gravel-walks, but on the grassy 

sward ; 
On which we sat — the shawl or duster having first 

been spread. 
Soon all were, placed. The maid that fanned her 

sire then promptly said : 
"Our father is quite feeble, having felt the heat 

to-day 
To be exhausting; yet, he will attempt a word to say 
To you who have such kindness shown and sympathy 

expressed 
For him, as though he were by deadly malady 

oppressed." 
The patriarch then raised his head ; and sat up — 

bust erect; 
And spoke in voice quite audible, in which we could 

detect 
A tremor slight, yet musical, like tremolo in song 
When wounded heart reviews and tells misfortune 

or deep wrong. 

Speech of a Patriarch. 

" Within a life of four-score years and eight, 
Few days have dawned to me with joy so great 



SPEECH OF A PATRIARCH. 23 

As this day dawned ; and yet no deeper gloom 

E'er hung, like shadow of some coming doom, 

About my soul, than fell on me — omd you — 

Whilst yet the meadow grass was wet with dew ! 

But as in summer oftentimes a cloud 

With vivid lightnings and with thunder loud, 

Rises most darkling in the western sky 

And with swift wings does o'er the heav'ns fly, 

Pouring on earth huge urns of treasured rain, 

Until the waters cover all the plain 

And sending winds like giants fleet and strong, 

Bent on destroying as they move along 

Through field and forest, yet that cloud retires, 

And leaves a clear sky ere the day expires ; 

So, dark foreboding for our cherished land, 

— Caused by the wicked act of murd'rous hand 

In slaying him who stood at head of State — 

Which darkened all my soul, and havoc great 

Made of the prospects for the South most rare 

And growing hopes which I had watched with care 

Planted by him who now lies in his blood 

Has passed away and let an ample flood 

Of comfort flow in full and radiant tide 

From that bright sun — God's promise to provide ! " 

u We of the South to troubles are inured ; 

— What could be greater than ice have endured? — 

And I have learned, come ill from ev'ry hand, 

To trust to God the weal of this fair land ! " 

" The weal of man, or State, does not depend, 

Always, on means employed to reach an end. 



24 SPEECH OF A PATRIARCH. 

The end designed and means employed by men 

May both be wicked, but 'tis true e'en then 

That God will soon or late, bring good from ill 

For those who are submissive to His will. 

Wrong may prevail, and right be trodden down, * 

And justice flee before oppression's frown ; 

Yet in due time some great good will be seen 

Which would not, but for ill endured, have been. 

Joseph was sold ; but from his selling came 

A train of blessings which I need not name. 

The negroes in this country have attained 

To good they ne'er had known, had sires remained 

In that dark land where even to be free 

Is worse than living here in slavery. 

We, of the South, have suffered cruel wrongs 

From those who stronger were than we ; yet songs, 

New songs, the lips of old and young employ 

Because we, since, have found new welh of joy ! 

The unjust war against our liberty 

Led to an act which made two races free 

— Ourselves, who are of the Caucasian race, 

And those who were our slaves, of sable face — 

And now from lips of both rejoicings burst 

At freedom from a slavery accursed 

— A bondage, theirs, to outward act confined ; 

A thraldom, ours, involving heart and mind. 

Had we obtained what rightfully we sought 

— A peaceful separation — then might naught 

Of what we hoped to gain, have been our lot ; 

While, in the years to come, will be forgot 



SPEECH OF A PATRIARCH. 25 

The many cruel wrongs we have endured, 
Amid prosperity and peace secured 
By sealing in firm union, once for all, 
These States, as irons, upon which doth fall 
The welder's stroke, in one do close unite, 
Though line of union pass not out of sight ! " 
" Nor did those noble men in battle slain 
While fighting for our freedom, die in vain. 
( — No ! no ! ye shades ! 'twas not in vain ye fell, 
Although the cause was lost, ye loved so well ! 
Ye and your country — The Confed'racy — 
Have passed away, yet live in memory ! — ) 
They will be on the page of hist'ry found 
In future days recorded as renowned 
For gallant deeds, in just, defensive war ! 
— The loss of cause, will not their glory mar ! 
The old flag, now above us, was, by might 
Replaced whence it had been removed by right ; 
And yet we have experience to show 
That to our peaceful homes more blessings flow 
Than might have come 'neath that new flag we loved 
When our dear sons on bloody fields well proved 
Their courage, and devotion to that cause 
Which all of us sincerely did espouse. 
Hence, now, the old flag is, to us, more dear 
Than e'er before the war it did appear ; 
And shall be ever o'er our land unfurled, 
Till Doomsday's conflagration wrap the world ! " 
" Hence, thus I reason now : i The murderer's arm 
Has brought us ill, but not a blasting harm ; 
.3 



26 A FIRE-BRAND.— [A Surviving "Rebel,") 

If our Chief Magistrate may not survive, 

His soul will safe at paradise arrive ; 

And on his widow, and dear children, all, 

God's choicest blessings will abundant fall ! ' 

— And oh ! our land ! dear land ! my native laud ! 

Our once dissevered, blood-cemented laud, 

About whose borders, now, in many a band 

The shades of thy departed statesmen stand 

( — And heroes, and plain yeomen who have died—) 

Anxiously watching thee as thou art tried 

With this new fire, I trust thee to our Lord, 

Who e'en from fire protection can afford ! " 

" Now my dear children — yes ! for thus I all 

Who are mueJi younger than myself, do call — 

Before you to your various homes repair, 

Bring from yon staff that ' old flag,' floating there, 

And wrap my aged form within its fold ! " 

While youths were gone for flag, " I'm bold, 

Perhaps you'll think to speak a word 

Suggested by what we have heard 

Our aged father say," (spoke one 

Who wore a sabre-scar upon 

His finely formed, time-fluted, brow ; 

And who had lost sword-arm below 

The elbow, from a bullet-wound 

Received in war. where he was found. 

At all times, at his post, and brave. — ) 

" There was a flag that once did wave 

Above this land for which I feel 

A love I wish not to conceal ; 



SPEECH OF THE VETERAN "REBEL." 

And still it floats in memory's sky, 

The fairest flag that e'er did fly ! 

Brave hands that flag defended well ; 

But, (sad the hour !) at last it fell ! 

Our hearts to give it up were loth, 

For we lost flag and freedom both ! 

Why should July's Fourth Day, note, be 

A joy to us? Our fathers, free, 

Might well their ardent zeal employ, 

In demonstration of their joy ; 

But what they gained at heavy cost 

— State Independence — we have lost ! ! 

Sad was the day when General Lee 

Surrendered ! We should now be free, 

And not compelled to do the will 

Of Northern States — that flag would still 

Be floating in this Southern air 

As Freedom's emblem, true and fair — 

Had he allowed his men to fight, 

Who would have won at last despite 

The heavy odds of ten to one 

As they before, full oft, had done ! 

The cause that flag did represent 

Was kindred to that which yoiCve spent 

This day in joyous words and deeds 

To honor, notwithstanding bleeds 

Your President, through deed late done 

By ruthless hand at Washington. 

Yes ! cause of South was Liberty 

Of States, as Sovereigns, to be free ! 



28 SPEECH OF THE VETERAN "REBEL." 

That cause was torn as babe from breast 

Of mother ? s torn by rav'nous beast : 

That flag is buried like the form 

Of mangled babe is hid from storm 

And tempest and the cruel fangs 

Of beasts and birds of prey, whilst hangs 

Above it, from the bending sky, 

God's just and ever watchful eye. 

Well-watched by Him till 'Day of Doom/ 

The infant then will come from tomb 

And rise on wing high over beast 

That tore it from its mother's breast : 

That flag, too, the embodiment 

Of cause which it did represent, 

Though close entombed it sleeping lies 

Will, yet, with life immortal, rise, 

Changed in appearance and in name 

But lifted from the earth by same 

Pure spirit with which it was born, 

And which it bore when it was torn 

From fond embrace of her who gave 

It birth — who striving it to save 

Lost her own life and found her grave." 

"As resurrected babe will be 

From special claim of mother free 

( — Though she will greet it in the sky 

As babe of hers in time gone by — ) 

And by its presence bless the world 

Of spirits pure, \\vzx. flag unfurled, 

— Appropriate garb of deathless cause — 



SPEECH OF THE VETERAN "REBEL." 29 

Will, by all nations, with applause 

Be hailed as angel sent to bless 

This world; while, oft, in fond caress, 

The risen South, with joy complete, 

Her offspring glorified will greet, 

— Though now she sleepeth, side by side. 

With 'cause' for which she lived and died!" 

" Yes, South is, as a nation, dead ; 

But States still live in close bond wed 

To Union ; yet that, too, will die 

In fast approaching by-and-by ! 

The States at North and East and West, 

Will think it to their interest 

(And, therefore, w r ill not question ' right ' 

For which they forced the South to fight 

— Which Massachusetts long did claim 

And threatened to demand, in name 

Of her own sovereignty, innate,) 

From Union to separate ! 

When that day comes, then men will see 

The Flag of the Confederacy, 

And spirit of that truth it bore, 

Living again, to die no more ! 

" Then let the babe and mother sleep 

Till resurrection-day ! We'll weep 

The tears of those whom hope doth cheer, 

That buried ones will yet appear 

In recognized reality, 

And clothed with immortality ! " 

Thus he; — and choral murmur came 



30 SPEECH OF A SOUTHERN YOUTH 

From multitude ; whose cries, " Oh ! shame I ", 
" False-prophet ! ", their disfavor told. 

Speech of a Southern Youth. 

" Old flag " was brought, A youth cried : " Hold 

A moment, comrades, ere you place 

The flag around our father ! Brace 

Yourselves and stretch its corners, four, 

As tho' it still were floating o'er 

Our heads, unrolled by joyous breeze 

Which now is sporting 'mid the trees ! 

So ! — Much of all that has been said. 

Did sound like ancient language, dead, 

(Which must be learned alone from books,) 

To many here, as plainly, looks 

Did show ! The troubles of < The Soidh \ 

We that are young, have heard at mouth 

Of those who did ' the troubles ' bear, 

As stories told at times most rare. 

— Our fathers, and our brothers, fell 

In war : our mothers, tearful, tell 

Their last adieu : 'With life in hand 

We go, before our foes to stand, 

And drive them back ; but should we fall, 

Let not our fate your hearts appal ! 

'Tis well to die defending home 

Against invaders, fierce, who come! 

Our love for home sends us away, 

With hope that we'll return, some day. 



SPEECH OF A YOUTH. 31 

Farewell ! Be cheerful! Though we die 

In battle, there is One on high 

In whom we trust — and you, as well — 

We'll meet in heav'n ! Loved ones, farewell ! ' 

— The i blacks ' did once obedience vield 

To ' whites ' ; and served in house and field 

As slaves. The ' South ' displayed a flag 

As nation new, which i North ' did drag 

Down from its standard, after years 

Of struggle, whilst flowed blood and tears. 

These things we know as history ! 

And, oft, they seem like mystery ! 

We wonder how such things could be 

Within this land so blest and free 

As we now find it. That War trode 

All o'er our land, as episode 

Most wonderful we view 

In life of nation now so true 

And kind, one to another. We 

The ' Flag of The Confederacy 

Have, not all, seen upon the air ; 

Though all, perhaps, have been shown where 

It did once float above the brave 

Who fought and died the cause to save 

Of which that flag was chosen sign : 

( — About whose memories we twine 

The chaplet due to honor's brow 

And at whose graves we fain would, now, 

Love's tender offerings renew 

And sprinkle sorrow's pearly dew : — ) 



32 THE U FIRE-BRAND" QUENCHED. 

And yet that cause to us is known 

As cause of those now dead, aloxe." 

— "The flag you have, my comrades, there, 

Has hearts of Southern youth : no share 

Doth any other ensign hold 

In our affections ! Take it ; fold 

It 'round our father ! It is meet 

Both old and young that flag should greet 

With loving touch ! Yourselves enfold, 

As well as him, with flag you hold : 

And thus (with heart to heart, both youth 

And age wrapped in that flag,) the TBUTH 

Displayed in living grand tableau. 

To our enraptured vision show !" 

The Fire-Braxp Quenched. 

'Twas grandly done as he did ask ; 
And — but my pen halts at the task 
Of striving to describe the scene 
Which then ensued ! — The dancing sheen 
Shed from the lightning's face doth come 
Before no louder startling bomb, 
Than rushed upon the air, in noise 
Of pealing joy spoke by the voice 
Of that vast multitude as though 
A vocal hurricane did throw 
Its vehemence in human tongue 
Upon the quiv'ring ear ! Among 
The woods so long glad echo played 



THE "FIRE-BRAND" QUENCHED. 33 

Her grand response on organ made 

Of hill and dale with rock inlaid 

— Its pipes all masked — that, quite dismayed, 

Coy Silence fled across the land 

Nor stayed her steps at ocean-strand ! 

The multitude renewed the shout ; 

When even those who bore about 

Them war's rude marks in scar and maim, 

Joined, joyously, in glad acclaim. 

— Tableau well showed that heart and hand 

Of all within the Southern-land 

Attach to Union, whose flag's fold 

Held in embrace both young and old. 

They grasped the flag ; and, each pressed heart 

With its rich folds as if to part 

With it would be, for them, like death 

To joys more precious than their breath. 

Short time elapsed : then youths did rest 

The azure field with stars on breast 

Of aged one ; and, stripes of red 

And white about his form, save head, 

( — That wish of his might nothing lack — ) 

They loosely wrapped ; and then stepped back. 

He, then, stretched out upon his chair. 

We watched him, calmly lying there, 

While the breezes fingered his flowing white locks, 

Which were soft as the fleece of nomadic flocks. 

And, playing on his noble face, 

A smile of pleasure we could trace. 

— But he grew quickly pallid; and one, aloud, 



34 THE SEQUEL. 

Cried: " The Flag of the Land has become his 

shroud !-" 
Fall many friends, with rapid stride 
Approached the dying patriot's side ; 
And his trembling daughters whilst lifting his head 
Made the breezes shudder, by wailing : " He's 

dp;ad ! ! " 
As there he lay in death serene, 
/recognized the "Horseman" * seen 
At a mansion's gate when the famous u Black Raid" 
Through that section in time of the war was made. 
Some bore him away in i the blue, white and red; ' 
And office performed which was due to the dead. 
While, slowly, t'ward i home' > all the rest did repair; 
First casting for selves and for country all care 
On Him, who so gently from earth ' sire ' had led, 
That SMILING, 'sere' entered the land of the dead! 

*" Horseman " was a character in " The Raid," an unpub- 
lished poem by same author. 



SCENES AMONG THE COLORED 
PEOPLE. 



35 



Scenes among the Colored 
People. 



By private roads digressing, (or by paths, 
Which, like huge serpents, stretched on stubble fields 
Were seen ; else, winding through the standing maize, 
Were hid from view,) the multitude, some here, 
Some there, passed to their various homes ; and I 
Was left to travel whither my design 
Might lead. The sun had trode well nigh three- 
fourths 
His course from east to west, when I drew near 
A grove of beech and qak, close to the road ; 
Where hundreds of the negro race had met 
To celebrate the day in manner such 
As each might think the best. I rode into 
The grove, and being recognized by some 
W T ho knew me in the days before the war, 
Was well received with words of welcome warm. 
I saw at once they had not heard " the news ; " 
For ev'rv face was lighted up with jov, 

4 37 



38 SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

And ev'ry voice danced with delight in song, 

Or speech, or laugh, which made the welkin ring, 

And " woke up " Echo in the swamp near by. 

Such speech ! such song ! such frantic joy ! Did eye 

And ear e'er witness such — so strangely blent? 

Religious exercises were, by some, 

Held where rude seatings had been improvised ; 

— There boiling exhortations were poured forth 

From foaming lips ; and men and women knelt, 

And shook their bodies, and tossed their heads, and 

threw 
Into the air wild words of joyous praise 
And prayer, most vehement, which were to me, 
Like errant birds of unknown land and wing. 
Strange choruses concerning " Canaan's Shore" 
And kindred themes, were sung, in rhythm unique, 
By voices rich in melody, which rose 
And fell and trembled in sweet harmony, 
Expressing ev'ry chord in unison. 
On outskirts of the grove, the rustic dance 
Went on, to music wonderfully real, 
Produced by skilful hand in playing harp 
Of single string; * in "patting Juba Ju ; " 
Or thumbing wondrous coon-shin banjers strings. 
At one place stood a group entranced by song 
— " Away down on the Swanee River, far 
Away " — played on ' accordin ' by one blind. 
And sung by aged pair, whose home, in youth, 

* Jew's Harp. 



SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 39 

Had been upon the bank of that same stream, 

And who, whilst slaves, in days long gone, had been 

Brought northward (kindred being left behind.) 

Their power of song was passing great ; and whilst 

They sang, they wept. When song was o'er the tw r ain 

Arose ; and, in loud voice, the husband cried : 

" bless de Lord ! doe we did leab our home 

And ole folks dar, dese many days ago, 

We xow is free ! I's ready now to cross 

To Can' an' s sho' ; I say, 1'se ready now 

Ou' fokes, to cross to Can' an' s happy sho'. 

bless de Lord, Fs glad to see dis day ! 

Hooray ! fur Mr. Linkin, and de Fofe 

Bay of July ! " The wife then gave a scream 

Of ecstacy ; and straightway, she began 

To sing a song whose sentiment did thrill 

My being through — a song whose words have ne'er 

Been set in type, nor writ — to which she joined 

The chorus : " I am going home to die 

No more ; " in singing which the group gave aid 

With zest. The blind man was of that old pair 

The son — the only child ; and sat with face 

Upturned, and gazed abroad upon the sky 

With sightless eyes, as if in search of light. 

At still another part of that large grove 
The violin (whose many voices seemed 
To utter weird words of joy to charm 
The ear of spirits who might dwell within 
That ancient wood,) put into frenzy great 



40 SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

Of wild delight, which knew no bound or rule 
Of meet expression, by or word or deed, 
A crowd that numbered scores, both old and young, 
Of sexes both. 

And, yet again, at short 
Remove from this last scene, an orator, 
In phrase well suited to his audience, 
Descanted on the glories of the land 
We call our own ; informing all who well 
Attended to his words, that Washington 
Was bom, and many other great events 
Had happened on the day which, then and there, 
They all had met to celebrate with joy. 
And many facts, he there made known which have 
Escaped the notice of historians. 
The orator was young : yet, few among 
His hearers, thought his hist'ry was at fault, 
Besides a grey-haired barber from a town 
Remote ; who promptly spoke, correcting one 
Mistake as follows : " Friend, you's jamb-by right : 
But teachers o' de people ought to kxow 
What dey is talkm? 'bout! An' wherefoe, friend, 
I takes dis chance in order to obstruct 
Yoe mind on dis one pint, as you is young : 
De great George Henry Washington, 'bout who 
We hears so little now-a-days, but whom, 
When I was young, was all the go, 'an den 
Was called de father of dis laud, dat is 
Of all the people in dis land, bqfe white 
And culJud— he ?r«/ »V BORXD, but den he DIED 



SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 41 

Defofe day of July in seventy-six ; 

Which fac' on' childurn, now in school books learns; 

And I has seen it, foe now, fur myself, 

In Dicleration of Dependence, lent 

Me by de jedge, who lives whar I live, 

And likewise gits his shavin' done by me ! 

My friend, amember dis formation, when 

You speaks de next time on a 'cashun like 

De present. Take my word ! On it prelie ! 

Fur it is spoke by ole grey-headed Joe. 

My marster knowed George Washington; and I 

Knows what I say!" — and then the old man laughed 

In triumph ; adding, most complacently, 

"Go 071, my friend; I's done." The orator 

Confessed himself corrected ; and, at once, 

Threw eulogistic flowers on Lincoln's grave. 

Whilst I was lost in musings on the sad 

Estate of those poor sons of Africa, 

Whose heritage was mental feebleness, 

And ignorance profound, commotion filled 

The grove, like sudden rush of hurricane ; 

And wild cries pierced the air ! Then groans, most 

deep; 
And plaintive pleadings ; shrieks of agony ; 
Ejaculation most devout, yet wild ; 
— Such voicings as most likely would be heard 
In crowded streets of city, all ablaze, 
Without a way of exit — struck my ear 
And came in quick succession, like the taps 
Of rolling drum : while tott'ring, stagg'ring forms, 
4* 



42 SCENES AMONG THE COL OREL PEOPLE. 

As if in drunken reel ; and shaking heads ; 

And hands held high, and quiv'ring like the tongues 

Of fire do move; and close clenched fists, slow moved 

In circle o'er the head ; and men and boys, 

As well as girls and women, running to 

And fro, all met my gaze where'er I turned. 

The multitude was crazed, like flock within 

A fold attacked by wolves ; or, citizens 

Unarmed and threatened with a massacre. 

I knew "the news" had come, from words which 

rang 
Distinct above confusion's cascade-roar — 
Such words as these : " Linkin's shot agin ! " 
The President is killed ! Bar's war dey say 
In Washington, an' Mister Garfiel's shot!" 
"Ou' time is come ! We'll all be slaves ! Farewell 
To Liberty!" ; u O hush ! 'tis no sieh thing! 
I'll die, afoe III be a slave! " " Who says 
He's shotf Who brought de news/ Where is de man f n 
— Such words told plainly, that "the news" had been 
Received, which I had closely kept from souls 
So full of joy. The pain my own soul felt 
At witnessing that scene of wild dismay, 
AVas such as pity, fear, deep grief, and hope, 
Profound regret and ardent wish, and wrath, 
Besolre, (both bold and strong,) curbed by despair 
— And almost ev'ry impulse known to man — 
Hard struggling for the mast'ry, could inflict. 

But, suddenly, a lull in that fierce storm 



SCENES AMONG THE ( OLORED PEOPLE. 43 

Of grief and frantic dread, which had so whirled 

The multitude, occurred ; and then a calm 

— Oppressive, painful, death-like, perfect calm — 

Ensued, as at a spot of rising ground 

Near centre of the grove, and standing straight 

On bench of manufacture rude, but broad, . 

And firmly built, a tall, athletic man, 

Of hoary locks, and furrowed face embrowned 

With Afric's milder hues, stretch forth his hand 

And waved to silence. " Who is he?" I asked ; 

And learned, he was the preacher most esteemed 

For eloquence among the "Colored Folks" 

Throughout that section of the Southern land, 

And called by ev'ry body " Uncle Josh" 

The waving hand dropped gracefully beside 

The noble form ; and with a voice both strong 

And great of compass — like the bugle's voice — 

The preacher spoke : — his mien was kingly, (grand!) 

His spirit, love; his words were such as his 

Untutored mind had gathered, here and there, 

Distorting many from their sound and sense, 

As known to those who rightly speak our tongue : 

" My broth ren in de flesh, an' also in de faith, 

I'm sensible o' pain, bofe deep an' sharp, 

As I arise to 'spress my feelings here 

On dis uccashun. Sad, indeed, in tone 

And words, de woice which spoke to us jist now 

From Washington ! It fell upon dese ears 

Like news o' death, in my own family ! 

I felt like saving, 'Absalom, my sou. 



44 SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

Would God that I had died instead of thee, 

Son Absalom/ — The President is shot ! 

Dis makes de second time we's lost de head 

O' dis apublic by his bein' shot ! 

The fust was Lincoln — sainted Lincoln — frien' 

Of all the cullud race — yes, he were shot ; 

But when he died, his spirit tuck its flight 

To that ethereal blue expanse of yon 

Resounded wault of sublumary worls ! 

And now, on Anniccrsionary-I)ay, 

When Liberty was bornd triumphant, here 

In dis great land, the dreadful " news " has come 

Dat Mr. Garfiel has been shot — dat friend 

O' bofe de blacks an' whites — and breathed his last 

Upon this transubstantial mundame spere, 

Where wicked men brings trouble, but de good 

And wary dey finds rest ! It's sad to think 

About! But skill we therefoe, now, subcum 

To dis infliction o' de penulty 

O' death upon our dear good Presedunt, 

So universal common — yes, to all 

De human family, from anciunt days. 

When 'TheiDslem riz and reigned in Israel 

And Jacob all his sheep and cattle watched 

In fiels and woods, an' swamps of ole Judee; 

And run de risk o' going from dis worl 

Afoe ou' time, thew mere egzitement f XO ! 

Beloved brothrun, do restrain yerselves ! 

Keep cool ! Why jist awhile ago, you all 

Aminded me most strikingly o' poor 



SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 45 

Pholipyan jailer, who was jist about 

To kill hisself thew great egz'dement, 'cause 

De chains o' Paul and Cyrus were struck off 

By Angel's hands ; an' he, poor fellow, thought 

Hisself asponsible fur what dey done ! 

But Paul cried : ' Stop ! don't hurt yerself ! De fault 

Ain't yourn dat we has been sot free from chains ! ' 

And so I would advise you all to-day : 

Don't hurt yerselves because de mortal chains 

Dat boun de Presidunt in dis dark worl 

— Dis prison worl — has been ondone an' he 

Has gone to dwell wid angels bright whar bofe 

De bullit an' de pistol is onknown, 

An' pain an' death kin never, never, come ! 

The jailer minded what de 'postle told 

Him : so ought you to mind what /say notv ! 

Be joyfid, like you was befoe de ' news ' 

Had come ! 'Tis not your fault de Presedunt 

Were shot ! ' Rejoice ! ' de 'postle says, i an pray.' 

I'd ketch the echo of his woice, and say : 

' Yes ! let yoe joys aboun' thewout de day ; 

Till yon bright sun goes home and 'fuses us 

His company any longer in dis grove ! ' 

Thar's some among ye, who has never learnt 

To pray, perhaps ; but, thar is no one here 

Who kinnot sing, or laugh, and play. O, no ! 

For thar's a joy-spring in de black-man's heart 

What always freely runs exceptin' pain 

Or sickness do, like leaves or fallin limbs 

■0' trees, fill up de outlet ditch ! Clar dese 



46 SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

Aiuay, avi! den de stream flows free again ! 

Thar never were a time when, as a race, 

We cullud folks could not rejoice. De Jews 

When in de Babylonium land, refused 

To sing de hymns dev learnt at home ; an' hung 

Their harps upon de wilier-tree ; an' would 

Not strike a string ! But all de cullud fokes 

Who lived in this great Southern land, when slaves 

An' bearin' troubles hard as any what 

De Jews did ever have, would sing de songs 

O' Zion with a will — them what belonged 

To church I mean ; an' others sot their notes 

To cornfiel songs, an' sich as suit de fokes 

What go a courtin'. No one ever seen 

A banjer or a wiolin down here, 

Upon a tree, unless it were forgot 

Er hid, or else de owner had got tired 

O' playin ! — Cullud fokes! we's saw 01C share 

0' trouble ; and we has a right to sing, 

Er laugh ( — I will not 'elude to dance — ) 

While we does sojourm in dis lower worl ! 

De Red Sea have been crossed ! We crossed dry shod ! 

We's left ou' Egypt to ou' back ! I know 

We still is in de wilderness ; but, Oh ! 

Clar water flows from rocks, an' manny falls 

Bofe day and night ; de quails can't help therselves, 

But must keep comin' to ou' moving camp, 

As Ave goes march in' fur de stormy banks 

O' Jordan, whar we stands and casts ou' eye 

To Canaan's far an' happy land, whar on' 



SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 47 

Perzeshuns lie ! O, brothnm, 'deed I feels 

We has a right to gether in de grapes 

De Lord has made to grow all 'round us here ! 

Injoy yersehes, ye people free, on dis 

De nation's holidays ! De great ones thar 

At Washington, will do things as dey ought 

To be. It won't do any good fur you 

To scream an' cry, an' be afeer'd o' what 

Ye do not know ! /grieves as much as you; 

But den I's got my senses 'bout me too ! 

What man were that who said, 'Dor's War agin f ' 

War wharf Twixt ivhof De North an' South f I tell 

Ye, friens, thar never will be war -agin 

B'tween de two. Dey bofe, like brothers who 

Has fought, would jine an' whip mos' any man 

Who'd try to make dem fight agin. De graves 

Of soldiers who was killed are mos' too fresh 

To 'low de white fokes in dis Ian' to take 

De field agin ! An' den de widders made 

By war within de Ian', an' orphuns who 

Still looks aroun' fur father ; an' de men 

Whose arms, an' legs, an' eyes, lies sum'ers long 

De track whar war walked thew clis Southern-land' 

Mos' ankle deep in white men's blood, an' flung 

De darts o' death from bofe his hands at once, 

Would, with a mighty power of 'suasion rise 

And plead aginst de rasin' of a war ! 

I fears no war ! So much fur dat one pint ! 

But den, I heard a voice cry out ; 'Farewell 

To Liberty ! We's now all slaves ! ' Dat cry 



48 SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

Were mos' anough to make an angel come 

An' comfort dot poor soul ! But, ef he come 

We did not see his shinin' robe, nor hear 

De rus'lin' of his foldin' wings among 

De vast disorder an' confusion what 

Pro vailed thewout de grove. Yit I am nigh 

Anough an angel, fur de task of quick 

Convicin' dat dear frien' dat he is wrong 

In holdin' sich opinion on de great, 

And solium pint of liberty ! Now, come, 

My friend, who were it tuck de tremblin' hand 

Of our poor race, an' put it in de hand 

O' Liberty, an' said : ' I marry you 

In bons o' mutu'l everlastin' love? 

Did Mr. Lincoln. ? Xo ! He beckoned all 

Us cullud fokes to come away from home, 

An' he would try t' effect for us a match 

(Like what we calls down here a run-way match 

When them what has control o' young fokes do 

Not give their free consent that they may go 

Git married.) Mister Lincoln could not speak 

Fur us an' also Liberty : besides, 

We could not git away to go whar sweet 

Faced Liberty, with smile an' outstretched hand 

AVere waitin patiuntly fur us to come ! 

Who made us free/ agin I ask. Did War / 

O no! my friends ! Ef dat were so, den war 

Mought make us slaves agin, some day ! I know 

Dat when de war were done, we stood beneath 

De 'stars and stripes' upon dat glorious \\a^ 



SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 49 

What floats triumphant o'er dis Continent 
(Like dat which have been hiested on yon pole 
Out by de road,) — the Flag o' Liberty! 
But den we stood dar 'foe de war, an' yit 
Were slaves ! But by-and-by dese wery States 
— On' guardeens — give consent dat all us fokes 
Might be united in a wedlock strong 
To objict of on' love ; an' signed de bond 
O' marriage contract thai* in Washington ! 
I say, ice's wed by law to Liberty, 
De beautiful an' 'posin' bride fur whose 
Fair hand ou' hearts did ache thew many long 
An' wary years ! De States — mind all de States 
O' dis Confedric Union — give consent ! 
Den who kin give a ivritin' of divorce 
Betwixt us two t Nobody ! No! No ! ! NO ! ! ! 
Not even WAR with all his mighty strut ! 
But lastly, dat is, thirdly, I inquire 
Who made us free? which I will answer thus : 
THE LORD ! 'Tkvas He, alone, that made us free ! 
When Moses heerd de Lord commandin' him 
To bring his chosen people from de land 
Of Egyp', did de leader 'spect to take 
De credit to hisselff An' when he give 
De inwitation to de people, were 
It not de inwitation of de Lord ? 
When Pharoah said de people dey mought go, 
Who brung about dat change in Pharoah's mind? 
'De miracles o' Moses ', you may say. 
Who give de power to work de plagues 9 Dat 7 a it ! 
5 



50 SCENES AMONG THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

The Lord, of course ! So do we cullud fokes 

Thewout de South now wear de shinin' Badge 

Cj Liberty, because the Lord has put 

It on us, an' has tuck away de ' Yoke 

0' Bondage' ! Bless de Lord, its pinned upjon 

Us wid de golden clasp o' Gospel Love, 

AVhat glitters wid de glorious light 

Of revulation ! And upou de face 

O' dat bright clasp, is seen de pjhomographs 

O' Liberty and Man ( — and DAT man's shin 

Has all de colors in de alfubet ! — ) 

And at de bottom o' de clasp is writ : 

' Them whom the Lord has jined, let no man put 

Asunder ! ' Yes, my friens, de Lord has jined 

De heart o' Liberty and ourn in love ; 

And jined ou' hands in wedlock, ichich shill lad 

As long as ice bofe live ! " — 

"I's studied much 
Dis subjict — wery much ! De white folks has, 
As well as us, anough o' slavery ! 
They would not have us back again as slaves ! 
And notwithstanding they did not approve 
At fust, de match 'twixt us and Liberty, 
They i icishes us much joy'! — THEX LET YER 
'JOYS ABOUX' !!!" 

" I's spoke at instngation, strong, 
Of some o' dese old brothrim here, who thought 
There were great danger, when de naps fust come, 
Of mighty pamic ! Now yous quiet, do 
Go long and y joy ycrselves, jist as ye did 



A TRIUMPH. 51 

A foe ! — T wants de congrugation, now, 

To sing — and all must sing — dat good ole hymn 

' We's boun' fur de Ian', de happy Ian.' Raise 

De hymn, somebody, please, whomever fills 

De office of a Leader in de Choir ! " 

No marshalled host did e'er obey command 

Of general, more promptly, than did that 

Vast congregation, yield to -wish expressed 

By him — who was a joshua, indeed, 

To them — ; and the effect was wonderful ! 

The Effect. 

Grief, and Fear, and Consternation, 

Grimly hov'ring o'er that throng, 
Started in wild perturbation 

As the joyous notes of song, 
Led forth by a thousand voices, 

Moved into the airy field, 
Like an army that rejoices, 

Confident the foe will yield. 
How that airy field then trembled 

'Neath the measured, rapid tread 
Of the chords, as they assembled 

'Round the Tkio, conquered, dead ! 
Echo sweetly joined the chorus, 

Singing in the outer air ; 
— Or else angels hovered o'er us, 

Eager in the joy to share ! 
Bearing garlands rich, won by her, 



52 A DISAPPOINTMENT. 

Song grew silent, waved her hand, 
To the Pleasures standing nigh her, 

Bidding them the throng command. 
Faithfully they did as bidden, 

^Yielding wands of magic pow'r, 
Till the tardy Sun had hidden, 

From Night's view in Twilight's bow'r, 
Night saw Twilight's agitation, 

(Caused by presence of The Sun, 
Who, with such precipitation, 

Had into her bow'r run,) 
And, the reason half discerning, 

She, herself, rushed toward the bow'r 
— O, chagrined was she on learning 

' Sun had gone full half an hour ! ' 
Yet, she gazed with ardent pleasure 

On the radiance which did still 
(Beaming from the gems and treasures 

Left by Sun) the bow'r fill. 
— Of which radiance* many a nation 

Has the cause to give essayed, 
When, since then, through ostentation, 

Twilight has those o^ems displaved. 
Still Night showed of grief signs certain, 

At not gaining partial view 
Of the Day King, when the curtain 

Of her bow'r proud Twilight drew : 
For beneath her " wraps for summer" 

* Eveninsr after £rl \v. 



A PLEASANT REMINISCENCE. 53 

Which she donned, Night held her crown ; 
And I plainly heard her murmur, 

And as truly, felt her frown, 
As along the road I speeded, 

Looking for a transient home ; 
While the moments passed unheeded, 

Till to mansion I had come. 
Murmur after murmur coming, 

I caught, here and there, a word ; 
Meanings of oil which by summing, 

I found gist of murmurs heard : 
" King of Day, in all his glory, 

I once saw on Gibeon, 
Where he i stayed ' to see the gory 

Work by ancient Isr'el done, 
Till the Moon, my maid of honor, 

Came to vale of Ajalon, 
Who had edict laid upon her : 

— 'Halt that Isr'el may slay on I ' " 
" I remember well his beauty, 

As he looked upon the plain, 
Cheering Isr'el on to duty ! 

— Shall I see him ne'er again f 
Oh ! I'd give the brightest jewel 

In my crown ( — which is my pride ! — ) 
Could my eyes have brief renewal 

Of that view ! Why did he hide ! " 

When Night had these murmurs spoken, 
Then her tears began to fall, 
5* 



54 TEAES AND SMILES. 

Just as if her heart were broken 

— Gushing — now ; now, none at all ! 
And her sigh did sound like whisper 

Coming from another sphere ! 
Luna, hearing, came and hissed her ; 

— Bade her be of better cheer : 
And, at once, Night ceased her weeping ; 

Threw her " summer wraps" aside ; 
Donned her crown, she had been keeping 

'Xeath her " wraps" its gems to hide ; 
And assumed a look quite cheerful, 

So that one would scarce have thought, 
She, so lately, had been tearful, 

— Soon I found the ' home ' I sought. 



AT A MANSION. 



55 



At a Mansion. 



THE WELCOME. 

The hospitality proverbial 

Of Southern homes, was ne'er more cordial 

Than when it welcomed us — myself and steed — 

Supplying each with comforts each did need. 

Repast most bountiful was spread for me, 

Including many a summer luxury. 

Refreshed, I went with host to drawing-room ; 

Which was adorned with flowers in bud and bloom, 

And paintings hung on snow-white polished wall 

— The masterpieces of great artists, all; 

(No, one was wrought by hostess' unskilled brush, 

While yet her cheek wore maiden's early blush : 

That one my host did o'er the others prize, 

Its faults appearing beauties in his eyes — ) 

And furniture, both modern and antique, 

Of which some pieces were of form unique, 

Contrived alike for ornament and use 

57 



58 AT A MANSION. 

— Some plain, some bearing carvings most profuse. 

The tapestry did faithfully display 

The grandest scenes in " Mammoth " and u Luray." 

In carpet and in rugs were plainly wove 

Fierce battle-scenes where Southrons bravely strove 

Against great odds and brilliant vict'ries won 

(The work of weaving which had all been done 

By mother of mine host in private loom.) 

It almost seemed that one could hear the boom 

And see the smoke burst from the cannon's mouth 

— Could see the moving soldiers of both South 

And North as promptly they obey command 

— See brave men falling pierced on ev'ry hand ; 

And even note the oozing of the blood 

From half-closed bullet-wound, as tho' one stood 

Amid the stirring scenes of actual war : 

— The shuttle had outstripped the brush by far. 

The ample fire-place was hid from view 

By frame of walnut-wood inlaid with yew, 

Containing canvass well-o'erlaid in stitch 

With cotton threads of various hues, but which 

Was faithfully, yet gorgeously, displayed 

A scene to which my soul quite promptly paid 

The tribute of appreciative tear, 

When clear the meaning did to me appear 

Of se7itiment beneath, adroitly told 

In characters attractive, wrought in gold : 

? Twas just as lifelike as it well could be, 

And showed the interview of Grant and Lee 

— Beneath it one could at a distance see : 



AT A MANSION. 59 

" With in these golden-lettered lines, 
A gem of truth, half-hidden, shines. 
Above, in portrait rude, you see 
Tiro gcn'rals sharing victory ! " 
From golden chandelier there shone a light 
Like that of day — so pleasant, yet so bright. 
I found that I was not the only guest : 
Many were there and ev'ry one expressed 
By manner gracious — some by ardent word — 
Pleasure at meeting me ; and when they heard 
That I had come but recently from North 
In sad ejaculations all burst forth 
Almost in concert, speaking words of grief 
Profound with reference to the wounded chief, 
The conversation ran from theme to theme, 
All kindred in their nature, till the stream 
Of national events had been surveyed 
And all the rocks and shoals which had delayed 
The ship of state in outward bound career 
Had been identified by landmarks clear 
(As laid down in the chart of history) 
And located exactly by the free 
Employment of " the lead " in trusty hand 
Of just, unbiased judgment — and the sand 
In how-glass used full quaintly by mine host 
Instead of modern time-piece, had almost 
Run out the fourth time since I came into 
The room. The host reminded us that few 
Would be the hours for rest unless we soon 
Should to our couches go. " I ask the boon 



60 AT A MANSION. 

Louise, of one song first," persuasively 

Said one. The lady said evasively ; 

" I have no fitting song. I'm prompt you know 

If ready ; " " You compose impromptu, though," 

Her husband said, for he it was that spoke ; 

And soon piano felt her skilful stroke ; 

And her rich voice its melody displayed, 

As words and tune impromptu she essayed. 

The husband was a Fed'ral officer 

In civil war. Of sev'ral daughters dear 

Who then graced that same home, Louise was bright 

And beautiful as any, who despite 

Her long continued efforts to maintain 

Her rightful independence, strove in vain 

— Like Southland — to successfully resist 

The will which did on union insist : 

The conflict o'er, a union of love 

Was formed — like that of Xorth and South should 

prove. 
Grand was the song Louise, once rebel-girl, 
(And youngest sister of mine host,) did whirl, 
In voice as sweet as that of nightingale 
Upon our ears ; and far out on the dale 
It through the open windows gently flew 
And head from wing of many a songster drew 
— And wakeful cottagers from couches, too! 

AVE FEET THE THROBBIXGS OF THE NATION^ HEART 

Whose grief or hope the song in ev'ry part 
Expressed, in meter changed, from time to time, 
— The time becoming medley, thus, sublime. 



AT A MANSION. 61 

The grand achievements of both 'South' and 'North/ 
In separate careers, were well set forth 
And made the basis of a steadfast hope 
That heart and heart united, both can cope 
As one great brotherhood, with ev'ry foe, 
Be it invader armed, or home born woe. 
Her song the gifted songstress deftly closed 
With an address to "Our Dear Land" composed 
In words and rhyme which I cannot recall 
Yet give the foll'wing as a hint — that's all : 
" Thou Freedom's great Temple art set on a hill ! 
The sheen of thy splendors doth all the earth fill 
When cloudless the sun of prosperity falls 
On thy jewel-crowned spires and gold-covered walls 
And when the dark night of adversity throws 
Its deep shades about thee, thine altar then glows 
With fire from heaven (Self-Sacrifice.) All 
Thine inner component parts — Gold carved Wale, 
(Pare Wisdom with Practical Knowledge well graced ;) 
Thy mosaic Floor, (Truth with Justice inlacedf) 
Thy Canopy, (Hope, with a pure Faith inwrought ;) 
Vessels of Service, (Institutions, blood-bought ;) 
— These all with inherent bright radiance shine, 
Which joins with the light that doth beam from thy 

shrine, 
And streams through thy windows and quickly 

illumes 
The mount where thou standest — the darkness con- 
sumes!" 
When song was finished — after proper word 
6 



62 AT A MANSION. 

Of praise, (well-earned,) from most of us who heard — 

We, at request of host, in worship bowed, 

While he as priest spoke praise and prayer aloud. 

Some moments passed : Louise's husband rose 

And said : " I thank you heartily, for those 

Warm sentiments that you have just expressed 

For ' Union of the States,' which in MY breast 

Holds higher place than even my own life ! 

— That song has made you to me dearer, wife, 

Than ever : and I hope 'twill not amiss 

Be reckoned that I now imprint a kiss 

Upon the lips which uttered those sweet words."' 

She, blushing, said; "Your conduct well affords 

Example of the slowness on the part 

Of Northern mind to read the Southern heart ! 

Full oft have I expressed such sentiment 

As words of that new song did represent! 

So has the South, through many years, by deed 

Expressed her love for Union ; yet the meed 

Of just acknowledgment has been denied 

Till now, by 'North,' who has the ' South' decried ! 

The ' North's' complaints, most bitter, plainly prove 

That 'North' thinks 'South' has reason NOT to 

love ! 
O that the bond between the States might be 
Like bond uniting hearts of — you and me!! 
This last she spoke adroitly, as with smile 
She rose and stood beside her husband ; while 
The company applauded with a shout 
In miniature, and rose, too, to pass out 






.! STRANGE VISITOR. G3 

At bidding of the host : "Let's seek repose 
Before old ' Dixie 'for the day-dawn crows!" 
Just as we moved to go, through open door 
An aged man came slowly in. Before 
The company whose hearts were struck with fear 
He stood awhile in silence. We could hear 
The beating of our hearts while old man spoke 
Tn accents which, on host's ear only broke 
The silence deep, to others marred alone 
By frightened host's quick heart-throbs, and then- 
own: 
" Be not alarmed for I have only come 
In kindness. I have oft within this home 
Of ardent patriotism in the days 
Of years long gone in various ways 
Been entertained with marked esteem by those 
"Who then the happy household did compose. 
"Where are they now? Gone into spirit-land ! 
Here, they were pious — there a sainted band ! 
Direct descendant of such noble race 
Could not refuse a stranger, e'en, a place 
Within the circle fraught with friendship's charm ! 
— / smiled on thee, a babe, John ! Fear no harm ! " 
The host received surprise in heavy stroke 
"When thus he heard his name by old man spoke. 
Speechless and pale he tottered to a chair 
— Speechless indeed were all, till J said ; " Where 
You may elect shall be your seat, my friend : 
And speech is free ! Speak till you choose to end ! " 
I glanced t'ward hostess : pallid too she was, 



64 THE STRANGE VISITOR'S ADDRESS. 

Yet bowed approval of my coup de grace. 
While, by degrees, the company grew calm, 
Seated, the old man stroked his beard with palm 
And speech resumed, in voice which did not break 
The outer silence and which, yet, did make 
Impressions on our minds as strong and clear 
As common voices do which sound in air. 
The officer, who saw the old man, gazed 
Alternately at him and us, amazed 
That we should listen as tho' human word 
Were spoke by stranger — for no voice he heard, 
We listened, rapt : " Attracted by that song 
Whose melody was greeted, all along 
The highways and the by-paths, and within 
The homes, by those w T ho heard it, with a din 
Of praise, I came to give your hearts relief 
From deep suspense about the wounded chief; 
And, also, timely comfort to extend 
Concerning dangers which you fear impend 
Above your much-loved, mourning land's career, 
And which in future, both remote and near, 
May fall, producing havoc with its peace 
And welfare, till that havoc find surcease 
In ruin." 

"Just as one on mountain's side 
Can see large objects floating on a tide 
Whose waters broad and deep do sweep amain 
By mountain's base and through the neighb'ring 

plain, 
So view I facts which did in past transpire : 



r UK STRANGE VISITORS SPEECH. 65 

And, as one standing' on a point ranch higher 

—Say top — can see the streamlets as they come 

Away, each from its isolated home 

— Now hiding as it makes its pathway through 

A forest thick ; now coming into view 

Where verdant meadow and grain-growing land 

Express their greeting as on either hand 

They smile ; now lavishing on boggy fen 

Its gifts ; delighting, now, the rocky glen 

With music and with dancing, as along 

It hastens joyously to join the throng 

Of waters as they mingle in a grand 

Procession to the gates at oceans strand, 

Through which have passed the waters gone before 

To realm so wondrous, they came back no more, 

So view I from the eminence I hold 

In life's great mount, events yet to be told 

As ' having come, y by promptly speaking Time, 

The Usher:' 

u I can see result of crime 
Committed by Guiteau to be the death 
Of Garfield, (notwithstanding ev'ry breath 
The nation breathes the meanwhile be a prayer ; ) 
But not those evils which would bring despair 
To patriot-hearts — which you have seemed to fear — 
Referred to in the song which still I hear 
In plaintive echo ringing through the cells 
Where Memory, like a prince close-cloistered, dwells." 
" See ! Arthur rules ! and when he leaves the chair 
The nation's righteous judgment ev'rvwhere 
G* 






66 THE STRAKGE VISITOR'S SPEECH. 

Express warm approval of the course 

Of his administration. None the worse 

Career does that of his successor prove ; 

For government whilst he holds helm doth move, 

Like steamship on the deep, despite the wind 

And currents which oppose — its course confined 

Successfully to line resolved upon 

When preparations for the voyage begun. 

His rule will universal joy afford, 

For union will in spirit be restored 

Ere that ' successor ' leave the chair of state." 

— " The parties of the land will alternate 

In holding the control of government 

For periods of irregular extent 

The party-spirit which has done such harm 

Will be subdued and cease to cause alarm. 

Prosperity will be compelled to store 

Much surplus fruit of labor, and explore 

New fields wherein the growing family 

Of Enterprise may, without trammel, be 

Employed. The country's commerce will extend : 

The nations north and south, with it will blend 

And form 'The Close Commercial Uxiox 

Of Both Americas — In Ixt'rests Oxe.' " 

— " The various, vast, resources of the South 

Will then developed be; and ev'rv mouth 

Will wonder speak at the abundant yield 

Of wealth by forest, mountain, stream and field, 

In timber, gold and coal, in fish and grain : 

And * South ' will rise and occupy again 



THE STRANGER'S SPEECH. 67 

The place once held by her — ' before the war ; ' 

And win the name of 'Great/ both near and far. 

Then honor will accorded be to those 

Who did in days of civil- war compose 

The ' People of The South ; ' who, being true 

To their convictions, bravely, nobly threw 

Their treasures, pleasures, comforts, lives — their 

all!— 
On altars of those States which they did call 
Respectively their own ; and durst engage 
To hold by war, their rights as priceless wage. 
Then, too, will North and East and West be proud 
Of record made ' in arms ' by what in loud 
Reproachful tones they now delight to name 
As ' Rebel Army ' — -just as now Lee's fame 
Surpasses Grant's in all the foreign lands, 
While Stonewall Jackson's, to none second 

stands ! 
Then will Caucasians in the Southern-land 
Regard the loss of ' Southern Cause, as grand 
Misfortune and Good-fortune intertwined. 
Misfortune, in that rights which all mankind 
Hold dear, by pow'r were rudely trodden down : 
Good-fortune, in that where those rights were thrown 
In lifeless form, lo ! presently there grew 
Luxuriant benefits in form of new 
Prosperity, whose blooms and fruit gave joy 
Throughout the land whose rights Pow'r did de- 
stroy ! " % 
— " These things successive, like the ocean-waves, 



68 THE STRANGERS SPEECH. 

I see approaching ; and my spirit craves 

Their presence, all at once ; bat we must wait — 

If some come early, others must come late ! 

Yet, in their coming, now they seem to rush 

With eager haste, that they may put to blush 

Each of the ages which the world has known 

— E'en that which men have named the golden one." 

" Some troubles, true, will meanwhile fall to lot 

Of this great land, which I have mentioned not : 

But they the gen'ral peacefulness will mar, 

Like clouds, (as small as that one seen afar 

By prophet seemed to be to his keen eye,) 

Would, by their shadows, should they swiftly fly 

Across the sun, a transient darkness throw 

Upon a gorgeous landscape all aglow 

As though 'twere overlaid with burnished gold 

— Like scenes which Fairies showed in days of old !" 

"I hope these future facts, foretold by me, 

Will, all your minds, from dark forebodings free. 

The present gloom which hangs o'er ev'ry part 

Of this great land, will, not long hence, depart. 

— When Garfield dies, as shroud the nation's gloom 

Will, with his lifeless form, be laid in tomb: 

Though sadness will on ev'ry heart be left, 

For ev'ry heart will feel itself bereft." 

He stood upon his feet, as if to 

Then settled back into his chair — so slow 

The motion, that we scarce perceived him move — 

Meanwhile he gazed intent as tho' he strove 



THE STRANGERS SPEECH. 69 

Pale, now ; and, now, his cheeks did fairly burn. 

Then Satisfaction with her wand illumed 

His countenance, and he his speech resumed : 

"A scene, till late, by me quite unobserved, 

Has just received attention it deserved 

As it developed rapidly before 

My view ; at which I wondered all the more 

Because, though I had seen the like, quite strange 

It seemed. First came a life, which soon did change 

To death, the mute and down-cast harbinger 

Of new-bom life, a bright-faced messenger 

Whose cheerful look full plainly gift foretold 

As coming soon ( — which it in hand did hold ! — ) 

For one who, toiling, had, in other day, 

To gain that life giv'n other life away ! 

A beauteous cotton-bloom arrayed in white, 

At morn stepped forth to greet a stranger's sight : 

At noon he looked, and lo ! its robe was new, 

Or else had changed from white to pink in hue : 

Expectant of new change, at eventide 

He looked again for bloom. Lo ! it had died ! 

And on the ground it lay — its robes a shroud. 

In color pretty as a purple cloud 

On which the setting sun has thrown, askance, 

The radiance of benignant farewell glance ! 

The stranger sighed ; and, might have shed a tear, 

Had not the owner of the plant drawn near 

And touched the pod, which stranger had not seen, 

Arrayed in lustrous garb of royal green. 

That touch had force of 'magic', for the 'bowV 



70 THE STRANGE VISITORS SPEECH. 

Or pod, its outer wrappings did unroll, 

And to the planter held, in open hand 

A snow-white jewel prized in ev'ry land!" 

" Should not the lesson taught, our thoughts command 

Amid the rapid changes in our land f 

Ah! yes! Tho' pretty blooms of prospect change 

And pass away, too soon, beyond the range 

Of our fond view, we may expect to find 

Some much-prized good, which lay concealed behind 

The prospect that engrossed admiring view 

— The real fruit from ichich the blossom grew ! 

— A good, as unlike prospect, passed away, 

As c bowV was unlike ' bloom/ which prostrate lay! " 

— His voice was silent ; and his chair 

Was empty ! When he went or where 

None knew. All were amazed. The host, 

Almost in whisper, said : " The ghost 

Of him who on my infant head 

Baptismal waters poured, now dead 

For many, many years, was he 

Who came and went mysteriously. 

Full oft when in the flesh he came 

To visit us ; and met the same 

Glad welcome that a kinsman would 

Desire, from all. He was as good 

As mortal man e'er gets to be 

In this estate; and all that he 

Has shown us in prophetic view. 

May be relied upon as true ! " 

These words had scarce been spoke when lo ! again 



TH E TRANSFORMATION. 71 

The old man stood in view, distinct as when 
lie first came in; and said in same strange kind 
Of voice, which made impressions on the mind 
Yet did not sound upon the ear: "I came, 
And one, yea but one stranger saw ! My name 
By all, except that one, should have been known : 
My words should my identity have shown ! 
I go a friend, (oft seen,) unknown by those 
With whom I've been, for years, in joys and woes! 
I have lived long : yet, oh ! the cheering truth, 
In my old age, I have renewed my youth ! 
My youthful vigor, too, shall grow apace 
While in the South dwells the Caucasian race !" 

Whilst silently we gazed 

On apparition strange, 
Than ever more amazed 

We grew at seeing change, 
(As if by magic) wrought 

In form and feature, too, 
Of what we all had thought 

An aged man. A new 
And wond'rous vision stood 

Before us. Age and youth, 
In ev'ry way they could 

Be blended, were, forsooth, 
In countenance, which shone 

With light that grew apace 
— First star-like, then like moon 

At full. — The form changed place 



72 THE EXPLANATION. 

And passed out open door. 

We followed, then it rose 
And spread in size, till o'er 

The South, as maiden throws 
Her wrappings loosely on, 

Its drapery of light 
It threw : while closely drawn 

Near brow, though it was night, 
A rain-bow crowned a smile 

Which greeted us and all 
Who upward looked : for, while 

*We looked, words seemed to fall 
Which we did understand : 

Immortal Hope in God 
Is Patron of Southland ; 

And greeting sends abroad" 

The Explanation. 

The " officer," a man 

Of learning and of " wit," 
When silence came, began 

An explanation fit 
Of what we saw and heard : 

" The vision which you view. 
And sounds that seem like word 

Addressed from air to you, 
Are mysteries profound, 

Indeed. But wond*rou8 things, 
Iu nature's realm, abound: 






THE EXPLANATION. 73 

Yet science oft-times brings 
Relief to some extent 

— The mystery explains 
— Dispels bewilderment ; 

Tho' wonder still remains. 
" Imagination, pressed 

To act by one in fear, 
Will to that one distressed, 

Make horrid things appear, 
Another, nigh scans forms 

He has strong wish to see : 
For Fancy, sly, transforms 

Anything — bush or tree ! 
Oft-times one hears his name 

Spoken in place quite lone ; 
Yet cannot tell whence came 

The sound — and sees no one. 
Mirage on desert seen 

By travelers alert 
For some oasis green, 

Deceives, oft, those expert. 
Mirage seen out at sea, 

When ships appear in air, 
From sailors old drives glee 

— In fear makes young ones stare." 
" Explained, each wonder proves 

Effect of hidden cause 
— As pivot-magnet moves 

By one of nature's laws." 
" This scene (to say I dare) 



74 THE ECHOING SHELL. 

Is but mirage — The Thought 
And Hope of South, on air 

In wonoVrous image wrought 
The scene, indeed, is real 

— The focus at which meet 
The burning hopes for weal, 

With which ' South ' seems replete. 
But, voice was your hearts' fruit, 

Imagination made 
Articulate to suit 

The scene above displayed." 



Long gazed we at the scene, till spoke 
Our host ; whose words thus gently broke 
The thread of solemn thought : " 'Tis night 
As yet; let's seek the couch, lest light 
Of day should, haply, us surprise 
Ere waiting slumber close our eyes." 

The Echoing Shell. 

"When host had " lighted me to bed" and left 

Me with : " Good-night ! " I was as one bereft 

— So very sad and lonely did I feel. 

I sighed ; and wondered why a cloud should steal 

— So dark ! — between me and my wonted cheer ; 

And strove to fan it off by rudeness, sheer, 

Of stroke with gleeful thought : but all in vain — 

The cloud would yield to stroke ; then come again- 



THE ECHOING SHELL. 75 

I forced attention to the things I found 

Of interest to a stranger, all around 

The room. I read : " Rare shells from distant sea, 

Each labeled — some from nearer waters— free 

For ev'ry stranger-guest to look upon, 

And choose one as his own." I took up one ; 

And, closing rosewood box in which they lay, 

And sighing yet again, I turned away 

And sought my waiting couch — delightful bed ! — 

And placed the " chosen shell " beneath my head. 

Soon I was lost in sleep ; and pleasant dreams, 

Clothed in gay colors like the sun's last beams, 

Attended me : and, yet, occasional sigh 

Did faintly whisper through the dreamland-sky. 

My dreams conducted me throughout South-land : 

The sigh, (I found,) was whir of sword in hand 

Of Death, presaging grief to nation, deep ; 

At which my eyes shed burning tears in sleep. 

I woke and rose, while dawn had not yet come. 

A strange yet sweet-voiced murmur filled the room. 

Articulate it was not ; still, it seemed, 

At times, like voices heard whilst yet I dreamed. 

Again I sought my couch : the murmur thrilled 

Me with amazement painful ; for it filled 

My ear — the one which next the pillow lay — 

With woi'ds consecutive ! I brushed away 

The cold sweat sprinkled on my brow by Fear ; 

And wished my ears had not the pow'r to hear 

Till day should dawn. But Memory broke the spell 

Of Fear by pointing with her wand to shell, 



76 THE ECHOING SHELL. 

Which I had taken iyom the box it graced, 

And, thoughtless underneath my pillow placed. 

Fear fled; and smiling Wonder gently came, 

And soothed my spirit into pleasant frame, 

AY hen I the tiny shell placed to my ear, 

In order well its whisperings to hear. 

Its voice was but an echo, in which rang 

The sentiments of thousands, who there sang 

In chorus — as the Nereids of the sea, 

Blend all their songs in murmur on the lee. 

Those sentiments I plainly did detect, 

In murmurs of the shell, to be respect 

And admiration true for some great chief, 

AY hose state was object of high pride, not grief, 

To Southrons, all. At first I could not tell 

Who that chief was ; but, listening long and well, 

I heard his name, distinctly, oft-times spoke 

— Each voice, each time, a blessing did invoke 

" On him who represents ' The Cause now Lost ' 

— The Cause whose justice is the Southron's boast." 

I rose and looked abroad ; and saw that Sight 
Was driving swiftly down the eastern height ; 
While, holding lamp at chariot-front, Moon lent 
Her aid against the chance of accident ; 
And thought I saw, faint gleaming, far away, 
The radiant smile of eager, waiting, Day, 
— Who, while he rests, entrusts to Night's command 
The steeds which Time gave both to hold in hand. 



THE ECHOING SHELL. ( i 

I made my toilet ; then the " label " viewed 
.Upon the " chosen shell ; " and then pursued 
The plan prescribed, thus : " Stranger-guests who take 
Shells from this rosewood box as theirs, must make 
Full entry of their names and homes ; and well 
Describe, on tablet here, each chosen shell." 
All this I did — I gave my name and home, 
Described my shell and told whence it had come. 

The " label" with most wondrous art, had been 

Indited so that naught but dots were seen 

When looked at as a whole; but as each word 

Was closely viewed, it magnified, appeared ! 

I read it till on memory it remained, 

— These are the words, in full, which it contained : 

" This shell of wondrous echo, came 

From near the home of one whom Fame 

Enrolled, while young, among the great, 

— The brave and wise — in field and state : 

And when rude force, t\va.t flag destroyed 

Whose honor all his pow'rs employed, 

Fame, for his brow, (of fynends' warm love 

And foes' abuse close interwove,) 

Prepared a special, brilliant crown, 

Which marks a glory all his own; 

While Fortune gave him splendid home 

Where southern Gulf's bright waters foam 

In gentle waves on its north shore ; 

And mingling with their paean-roar, 

The Southrons' whispered blessings greet 



78 DAY-DAWN. 

The Hero — greatest in defeat ! 

— Would you those whispered blessings hear, 

In echo ? Place this shell to ear I 

Taking this gift, say this — no more : 

' Honor to Hero at Beauvoir ! ' " 

Reflection, short, led me to think it best 

To leave the shell for ev'ry "stranger-guest" 

To see and hear, at any future day 

— I marked it : " Chos'n but not yet tak'n aicay ! " 

— Perhaps you ask : " Did you condition meet 

Of taking wondrous echo-shell, and greet 

In word the "Hero at Beauvoir?'" Ah! Well; 

This I will say: I did not take the shelf ! 

Day-Dawn. 

Like healthful babe from pleasant dreaming, 

The morning woke with face all beaming 

And sent her smile o'er nature streaming 

Which sat the world and heav'ns a-gleaming; 

While earth and air with joy were teeming. 

On ev'ry hand the fowl were winging ; 

On flexile boughs the squirrels were swinging ; 

And to the teat glad young were clinging, 

While voices manifold were ringing 

In human song or conversation 

And dumb brute's rude communication 

Of neighborly congratulation 

To others on participation 



A SOLILOQUY. 79 

Of prospects thrown from hand of Day- Light 

Whose coming brought those brutes glad respite 

From loneliness they felt at midnight, 

And restlessness at morning twilight. 

It seemed that Morn with hand was waving 

To all whose opened eyes were craving 

Beauteous scenes of Nature's graving ; 

Or whose desires, fierce grown, were raving 

For food or draught or pleasant laving 

To come forth from their place of resting 

And gratify each wish thus testing 

The skill of Nature in investing 

Her works with pow'r to yield high pleasure 

Without alloy and in full measure ; 

From whose abundant varied treasure 

They all might take at will and leisure. 

" How bright a day ! " 

( — I could but say, 
As in the lawn of host I stood 
And gazed at glorious field and wood — ) 

" How glad should we 

At all times be 
That in a world so full of joy 
We live — where we find sweet employ 

For taste and touch ; 

And just as much 
To gratify the eye and ear, 
Through ev'ry season of the year ! " 

Then Memory, 

With step most free, 



80 A SOLILOQUY. 

Rushed swiftly back to days of yore, 
Conveying me midst scenes once more 

In which I moved 

With those I loved 
When Youth and I companions were 
— And Joy also, for Woe's hot tear 

Had, then, not yet 

My young cheek wet. — 
And as those scenes passed in review, 
" This world's the home of Joy, 'tis true;" 

I said ; " but oh ! 

Who does not know- 
That in this world dark Sorrow, too, 
Makes her abode the whole year through : 

And even while 

Joy's thrilling smile 
New life to human spirit lends, 
The shadow of her form she sends, 

Producing night 

In midst of light, 
And, all unseen, wounds with her dart 
The unsuspecting gleeful heart ! n 

While thus I stood 

In thoughtful mood 
I felt the gentle touch of hand ; 
And saw a child beside me stand, 

Who met my gaze 

With bland amaze. 
Yet said : " I've come to call you home 
To breakfast, sir ; papa says. * come ' ! " 



A PRODIGY. 81 

And as we walked 

Slowly, we talked, 
I found him wise for one so young; 
— Possessor, too, of gifted tongue ! 

u I'm sad/' he said, 

" For Garfield's dead ! 
His deeds as President were few, 
And yet a brilliant hope they threw 

On future days, 

(Grandmother says,) 
That blessings might come to Southland, 
Conducted by his faithful hand ; 

And well revealed 

What wrongs concealed 
— The eagerness of Southern mind, 
To honor Northern actions kind : — ■ 

Much as, at night, 

The brilliant light 
At locomotive's front doth send 
The promise of a coming friend, 

And plain reveals 

What night conceals 
— The friends ivho at the station stand 
With welcome in both eye and hand." 

Less fast I stepped 

— Then stopped, and wept 
As that dear boy in touching strain 
Spoke of the " kindred of the slain " 

— How they must be 

In agony 



82 A PRODIGY. 

At death of one to them so dear ; 

— How that this world would sad appear 

To them for aye 

(Till their death -day) 
Tho' everything should wear a smile 
And strive their sorrow to beguile. 

" But oh ! " said he, 

" Bereft are we 
Both old and young throughout Southland 
By act of that vile murd'rer's hand ! " 

His eye flashed fire ! 

His voice rose high'r ! 
He seemed to be most strangely changed, 
As in high eloquence he ranged 

Beyond the reach 

Of my poor speech 
Here to relate what then he said 
(While Mercury's wings waved o'er his head,) 

Portraying grief 

Without relief 
Which had like c/arZr-winged angel come 
Afflicting ev'ry Southern home 

— As in the yore 

An angel bore 
Death on his wings, who slew jirst-bom 
And made Egyptian homes forlorn. 

Attempt I made 

— Again essayed — 
To break his spell of grief profound, 
By telling him that Garfield's wound 






A PRODIGY. 83 

Might yet be healed 

To skill might yield — 
That hope had not entirely fled; 
The President was not yet dead : 

But thought well-meant 

In vain was spent 
— My tongue cleaved to my roof each time, 
While he continued speech sublime! 

Long tarried we 

Beneath a tree 
Whose leafful boughs protection gave 
From morning-sun's broad shimmering wave. 

When we reached "home," 

Tears still would come ; 
For o'er my soul emotion rolled, 
Caused by his thought and language bold 

( — I feel it yet ! 

— My eye is wet I — ) 
As, on the ocean, billows rise 
And throw their spray in Neptune's eyes, 

Long after blast 

Has landward passed, 
And gone to rest in mountain-cave 
— Its force still lingering on the wave. 

When noon had come 

The child from home 
On errand went j and I made bold 
In faithful word to well unfold 

To family 

The cause whv we 



84 A PRODIGY. 

Had our return as long delayed, 
And underneath the beech -tree staid. 

They list'ned well ; 

And I could tell 
Their deep emotion by their look, 
As though I read in printed book. 

When I had done, 

The sire begun : 
" Our child * has pow'r of thought and word 
But to repeat what he has heard, 

Oft with a gush 

His words w r ill rush : 
He seems to speak extempore, 
While he recites from memory. 

The gesture, too, 

And accent, true 
Or false, he sees or hears one use, 
He faithfully will reproduce. 

Mother and he 

Sweetly agree : 
Oft he repeats her words and ways 
And sometimes adds, ' Grandmother says/ 

Whate'er to-day 

You've heard him say 
About the suff ring President 

* The prototype of the ''child " was Charlie Shannon, a prodigy 
in memory, who could repeat long speeches after hearing them 
read once (or twice at most.) He was on exhibition at the age 
of seven years, in Baltimore and elsewhere in this country, and 
went to Europe. 



SENTIMENTS OF AN EX-CONFEDERATE. 85 

Was fruit of hours with mother spent, 

Since we first heard 

The stunning word 
On yesterday, ere yet the sun 
His upward course had half-way run." 

Thus spoke the sire. 

His eye flashed fire ! 
And rising grandly to his feet 
He eloquently did repeat 

Like thought and word 

With those which stirred 
My soul, when dumb, in weeping mood, 
Before the child, on lawn, I stood. 

He then showed scar 

Received in war 
Upon his cheek ; and several more, 
He said, he on his person wore 

With honest pride 

That he had vied 
With soldiers brave in doing most 
For Southern cause now long since lost : 

"Because we fought 

For what we thought, 
And still think i Cause of Liberty ' 
— ' The Right of each State to be Free ' — 

And on the field 

We strove to shield 
Our land from desolation's tread, 
Our homes from desecration, dread! 

But war is o'er; " 



86 BROTHERL Y-L VE— VENGEANCE. 

(Said he,) " ne'e/* more 
May its fell spirit sway the hand 
Of those who dwell within our land. ! " 

(i Much should we love 

Who still do move 
Along the path of earthly life, 
Survivors of that deadly strife ! 

In vain, indeed, 

Did myriads bleed 
And die on war's embattled plain, 
Where brothers died by brothers slain, 

If in this land 

All do not stand, 
As brethren, in that bond of love 
To break which war too weak did prove!' 1 

" The deed late done 

At Washington 
Must have been act of only two 
— A man, exposed to human view, 

A nd fiend, unseen, 

(Behind the screen) — 
These two alone, performed the deed 
That makes the nation's heart now bleed. 

And could this hand 

My wish command, 
Upon them both, unseen and seen, 
Their pangs should be tenfold more keen 

Than ever came 

In eager flame 
To torture writhing human flesh, 



SYMPATHY AND APPRECIATION. 87 

Or woke in hades, shrieks afresh ! " 

"Oh! May God shield 

Our Chief, Garfield, 
From death, however deep may be 
The wound that gives him agony ! 

As soldier, true, 

He wore the i blue '; 
But, tho' he fought against our rights, 
He bravely bore him through those fights 

Where his lot fell ; 

For which he well 
Deserves, in common with the brave 
Of ev'ry land what soldiers crave 

— 'Best boon of fame 

— A brave man's name — 
The epithet of Hero ': and 
Throughout our wide-extended land 

Both North and South 

Should ev'ry mouth 
Speak kindly of the President 
Of these great States in Union blent, 

— A union sure 

NOW TO ENDURE, 

Since l Sovereign Right of State to Break 
From U7iion\ which was put at stake 

In war, was lost, 

( — At what great cost 
In violence to justice, and 
In human blood which drenched the land, 

It matters not ! 



88 UNIOX CHERISHED. 

Be that forgot!) 
The Union cherished now by all 
Within the States can never fall ! " 

Yet of the true 

Ado! tried men, Jew 
Within the South, do now profess 
Repentance, saying ' We confess 

We were unwise 

To sacrifice 
The benefits of union 
With all the States, for few or none 

We should have gained 

Had we maintained 
Successfully, ' that State MUST be 
An Independent Sov'reignty ' 

— A principle 

Which never will 
Be made untenable by force 
Of truth : by force of arms, of course, 

It may be crushed, 

As has been hushed 
The voice of many a living truth, 
Too harsh for PowVs ear, forsooth ! " 

" For tho' we see 

These States should be, 

In these days, joined in union strong, 
(E'en if to each there should belong 

The right as 'State' 

To separate 
— As ' Sov'reignty ' alone to stand ; 



UNION CHERISHED (through interest.) 89 

Regarded such on ev'ry hand,) 

Because the best, 

True interest 
Of all concerned depends upon 
The maintenance of Union, 

Still we maintain, 

That all our slain, 
And soldiers who survived the war, 
Unhurt or wearing battle-scar, 

Achieved a fame 

Well worth the name ; 
That cause was ne'er, on earth, more just 
Than ours ; that what the North did thrust 

On us, we took 

Because forsook 
Us at that hour both strength and hope 
— We could not with foe, longer cope! 

Strange would it be 

If we should see 
A good in ruin which befell 
The South — a ruin which might well 

Be styled complete, 

Bringing defeat 
Of armies ;. razing to the ground 
Our social fabric ; building mound 

Of the debris 

Beneath which, we, 
Caucasians of the South, were doomed 
To lie, alive, and, yet, entombed, 

— From which we rose 
8* 



90 NO SELF-REPROACH. 

By mighty throes 
Only to find we must rebuild 
Our fabric as our late foes willed ; 

Who, while they fought 

Us, only sought, 
They said, the Union to maintain, 
Yet, having chance, could not refrain 

(Deceitful foes !) 

From aiming blows 
At institution we did prize, 
And which they viewed with envious eyes!" 

" We think it wise 

To utilize 
The opportunities which lie 
Before us — faithfully to try 

T' obey as best 

We can, behest 
Of duty as she speaks each hour, 
While we regret we had not pow'r 

To win in war 

What we strove for ! 
As one into whose cherished home 
A murderer has boldly come 

— Killed great and small, 

Wife, children, all — 
His vacant home does cherish still, 
Bowing to Heav'n's permissive will. 

While at same time 

He does no crime 
Bv wish that to his cherished home 



BECOMING RECONCILED. 91 

The fiendish murd'rer had not come, 

Or that his strength 

Of arm, at length, 
Had proved enough to break the arm 
Of murd'rer ere it wrought such harm." 
" We do not cast 

Upon our past 
The shadow of reproachful look 
Because our rights we undertook 

( — Rights dear as life 

And worth the strife 
We strove — ) to gain ; tho* rights once gained 
Might have cost much to be maintained. 

But we do strive 

From us to drive 
All feelings of resentment, just 
Howe'er they be, t'ward those who thrust 

Upon us wrong, 

And with a strong 
And fiercely vengeful, war-clad arm, 
Strove to lay on us ev ? ry harm. 

Being compelled 

By war to yield 
To ivill, and share the lot of those 
Who did repulsive bond impose, 

Like maids of yore 

Whom Romans bore 
Away as w r ives from Sabine homes, 
We feel that union-bond becomes 

Less bad each day : 



92 RESPECT FOR CONFEDERATE LEADERS. 

TW still, as they 
Did, so do we sincerely deem 
Relations past worth high esteem ! 

Of our past proud, 

We speak aloud 
So that the world may hear our praise 
Of those brave men whom God did raise 

As leaders, great 

In ' field ' and ' state ; - 
Who consecrated all their skill 
To carry'ng out the people's will 

To have a free 

Confederacy 
Of Southern States, (in interest one,) 
United by will-bond alone. 

And the result 

Of each insult 
Shot t'ward them like a venomed dart 
Is but to make each Southern heart 

Hold in contempt 

Those, whose attempt 
Thus to malign the South's great men 
Is mean and eon-ardly : [as when, 

Coming round 

A captive bound 
— A chief o'ercome by numbers great — 
Low dastard savages, elate 

At chance to show 

Their skill with bow 
At human target without fear 



PRESENT RELA TIONS A PPRO VED. 93 

Of hurt (yet fearing to go near) 

Do shoot and wound, 

Then look around 
That they safe exit-way may choose, 
Should chieftain's thongs by chance come loose :] 

So, Sabine maid 

Who homage paid 
As wife to Roman would have burned 
With anger — would away have turned 

Contemptu'sly 

From him, if he 
Had stigmatized her kindred dear, 
Thus oifering insult to her. 

Yet just as she 

Did, thus do we 
— Hold with firm grasp of ardent love 
Relations new, which we approve ! 

True, now and then, 

It may be, when 
Before Injustice' blow we reel, 
Our hearts back to far past will steal, 

And seek relief 

From present grief 
By living o'er again, in thought, 
Days which to us with joys were fraught : 

But soon they come 

— Our hearts — back home, 
While thought, returning passes by 
The ' day of struggle' with clos'd eye." 

" We, Southrons, feel 



94 LOVE FOB THE PEES I LEX T. 

That pointed steel 
Could Dot have giv'n our hearts more pain 
Than did the news : 'Garfield is slain!' ; 

For he belongs 

To us : his wrongs 
Are ours: we love him; and, if need 
There were, our hearts for him would bleed!" 
" O sad the day 

When we survey 
The evils which have falPn on 
Our land of late — and in years gone ! 

Yet ancient Job, 

( — Whom foes did rob) 
When various agencies employed 
By Satan, ruthlessly destroyed 

His gathered wealth, 

His cherished health, 
His servants, children ; from him turned 
His consort's heart, which should have burned 

TVard him with love, 

Said: ( He above 
The skies, did all those blessings give 
And take away ; He shall receive 

My pra ise ! ' — T h us we 

Should strive to be 
Content ; since we, too, recognize 
A Heavenly Ruler, good and wise, 

Who oft allows 

What reason shows 
To be result bv evil wrought ; 



HOPE IN MIDST OF SORRO W. 95 

And yet, the suff'rers oft are brought 

To see glad days 

When he displays 
His pow'r and goodness with free hand ; 
And joys, hearts lately sad, command ! " 
" This land of ours, 

Where evil pow'rs 
Crossed brothers' arms in deadly strife 
— Made havoc of all joys of life — 

Through weary years, 

Which wrote with tears 
And blood their records, fadeless as 
The color which the cypress has — 

This land whose brow 

Does even now 
Wear shadow of a heart-felt woe 
Because its wounded chief lies low, 

May from that Hand 

Which doth command 
The universe, such gifts receive 
That, o'er the past 'twill cease to grieve!" 

Thus spoke a man 

In whose veins ran 
True Southern blood; and in whose mind 
" The Lost Cause" once had been enshrined. 
I travelled thence from place to place 
Through town and country. Ev'ry face 
I met, wore sign of settled gloom 
'Midst which no ray of joy did loom. 
Men field-work left, and rapid strode 



96 



THE ANXIOUS INQUIRY. 



To intercept me on the road ; 
Children in cottage-yard cried : " Wait ! " 
And came with mother to the gate ; 
Mechanics stood in work-shop doors ; 
Apprentices stopped doing chores ; 
The doctor driving fleet-foot horse, 
Abruptly checked his rapid course ; 
Pupils of school, in solemn mood, 
At school-house door and windows stood, 
While teacher, hatless, book in hand, 
At road-side, 'neath a tree, did stand ; 
Sellers and buyers, at the stores, 
Crowded the porches and the doors, 
At my approach — all full intent 
To learn how was " The President." 



THE RETURN 



97 



The Return. 



SUN-SET SCENE. 

Returning northward t'ward my home, 
When many a mile alone I'd come 
O'er level-land and hill and stream, 
Thro' forest shade and warm sun-beam, 
Where nature spread before my view 
(Arrayed in dress of varied hue,) 
Her works of skill, in kind and shape 
Of leaf and flow'r and broad landscape 
Most wonderful, I stopped, for rest 
Of self and steed, upon the crest 
Of hill, which rose high over plain ; 
And Southward turned my eyes again. 
From throne, in West, of mountain peaks, 
O'erlaid with ash-hued pearl, with streaks 
Of emerald, and richly lined 
With snow-white satin cloud combined 
With amber strip and azure fold 
Looped up with sprays of purest gold, 

99 



100 A VOICE AGAINST THE SOUTH. 

Beneath ethereal canopy, 

The Sun, in royal panoply, 

Threw golden gems with sapphires fraught, 

Which field and flood and forest caught 

With eager hands, as do the poor 

Take gifts, and smiled and asked for more. 

" Stay long, O gen'rous Prince ", I cried, 

"And pour thy gifts in constant tide 

On Southland ! Let thy smile illume, 

If possible, her people's gloom ! " 

A Voice Against the South. 

When I said -that, a faint voice came 
And spoke to me, but gave no name : 
" The Southern States compose a land 
In which there dwells a teeming band 
Of men, than whom you cannot find 
More false and vile among mankind ! 
Against their country they rebelled, 
And loud and long for freedom yelled ; 
While they themselves, in bondage held 
Their fellow-men, (by rod compelled 
To do hard toil as life-long slaves 
To masters, who at heart were knaves, 
Denied those gifts which nature craves 
— Good food and raiment, — till their graves 
Were entered gladly, as the waves 
Glad rush to beach, to hide from storm 
Which whips their dripping, trembling form, 



A VOICE AGAINST THE SOUTH. 101 

Pursues them even to the shore, 
And smites till they are seen no more :) 
Then, having long and fiercely fought 
Against their country's flag for naught, 
Except for privilege full fraught 
With ill to all — e'en them who sought 
That privilege — and, having been 
Compelled to cease their war of sin 
By force of skilful arms, with grin, 
(Discerned full well beneath the thin 
Transparent veiling which they wore, 
As mourners for the part they bore, 
In drenching this fair land with gore,) 
They asked to be received once more 
Beneath the flappings of that flag 
Which to the dust they strove to drag ; 
And promised they would never lag 
Behind the foremost who might brag 
How swift he'd run at each behest 
Of duty to the Union blest ! 
They were received ; and, yet, they stood 
Compacted close — a brotherhood 
Of traitors foul — in wistful mood 
Awaiting chance again to flood 
This land with trouble's darksome tide 
On which both they and sons might ride, 
With sails before the blast spread wide, 
As pirates civic, and provide 
Themselves, by force, with what belongs 
To others 'mid the noble throngs 
9* 



102 A FEMALE APPEARS. 

Of men who crushed rebellion's wrongs 

And sang, at last, proud victory's songs 

— Which still the trembling air prolongs ! 

And just as eagle watches lamb, 

Which once his talons held, till dam 

And shepherd drove him from the field, 

Which he reluctantly did yield, 

So do those men watch Afric's race, 

(Whom they once held in firm embrace, 

With fondest love, but to devour 

And feed upon, and, thus get pow'r 

To rise to heights they had not gained,) 

Now, that compelled, they have refrained 

From using beaks and talons, too ; 

While on their eyries, close in view, 

They shake their feathers, and on high 

Lift wings which they would gladly try 

In flight t'ward prey so lately theirs ; 

— Which now, though wounded, safety shares 

Beneath the watchful eye and hand 

Of chiefest shepherd of the land." 

Whence came the voice, I could not tell. 
No form could I discern, tho' well 
I all my pow'rs of vision tried, 
And searched the air both for and wide. 
But while I searched, a second voice 
(Whose accents, sweet, made me rejoice,) 
Addressed me ; and a form, most clear 
Did just in front of me appear. 



THEMIS RECOGNIZED. 103 

— A female, fair, whose robe was girt 

With zone of stars; the flowing skirt 

With rainbow hues, all intertwined, 

Was rich adorned ; and close confined 

Her golden tresses were with band 

Of azure, like the angels stand 

Upon to light, each one, a star, 

When Night puts up Apollo's car. 

She wore a crown of evergreen 

In endless wreath, in which were seen 

Young buds, and blooms, and full grown leaves, 

— Which ev'ry eye that^sees, receives 

As emblem of eternal youth, 

In full maturity — What truth 

Has writ, in part-rolled scroll, she held ; 

On which were thoughts so plainly spelled 

That I could read. Scales, too, she bore, 

And rod for measurement — no more 

I needed, then, to tell her name, 

Which straightway to my mem'ry came. 

" Themis ! " I cried, " of ancient days ; 

Goddess of equal words and ways ; 

'Justice ! \ as called in this our time, 

Opponent of all fraud and crime, 

I thank thee that thou dost appear 

Before me : speak, and I will hear ! 

Just now, I heard words foul and dark : 

Thou could'st not speak such — Listen, hark ! 

I hear a voice ; but, not the same 

As that whose tones so lately came" 



104 A VOICE AGAINST THE NORTH. 

That new voice said ; " The men who dwell 
In Northern States, have spirits fell. 
They worship Mammon, and would sell 
The rights of their best friends, as well 
As make their brethren work for naught 
In teeming workshops, where they ought 
To find in droppings of their brow 
'Good food and raiment' anyhow 
For wives and children. Slaves, indeed, 
Those toilers are, whose hearts do bleed, 
Though freemen they in word are called, 
By plain misnomer — falsehood bald ! 
Professing love for Afric's race, 
Those Northern men have brought disgrace 
Upon their names, by bitter hate, 
Not even found in Satan's State ; 
— A hate of one's own race and kin. 
They have outstripped the lost in sin ; 
For Dives, lost, did make appeal 
For his five mortal brethren's weal ! 
That hate was shown, before the war, 
In efforts Southern peace to mar, 
And Southern homes with fire to burn, 
And implements of death to turn 
Against the whites, and to renew 
The scenes of ' Saint Bartholomew-.' " 

"A fiendish joy, then, hades stirr'd, 
When Northern Lincoln's voice was heard 
Assembling men for murd'rous deed 



JUSTICE SPEAKS. 105 

Upon the South, for which the meed 

Of adulation he received 

Throughout the North, whilst angels grieved ; 

A war those men of unjust mind 

Long waged in spirit which mankind 

Condemned. Their famous ' March toward Sea 9 

Filled Satan with unwonted glee ; 

Who, welcoming the souls which fell 

From out that vandal-horde to dwell 

With him, said : ' You and chief have won 

The palm from me and mine ! WELL DONE ! ! ' " 

"The South surrendered; then peace came 

In outward form and spoken name, 

But not in spirit ; for such peace 

Did but oppressive wrongs increase. 

With bitter hatred, still, at heart, . 

The North can't do an honest part 

By Southern whites ; while those they loved 

— The poor black race — have long since proved 

What they, in other days, were told : 

' There's but one magnet, that is gold, 

Which can attract, and hold, and sway 

The Northern heart in evWy way' 

There'll be a day of righteous doom, 

When God will sweep with wrathful broom 

Such souls, full-swayed by fraud and wrong, 

Into the pit, where they belong ! " 

I trembled, and to Themis said : 



106 A QUERY. 

" Heardst thou that voice with words so dread ? 

And didst thou hear the first which spoke 

In words that fell like wrathful stroke ? " 

" I did," said she of heavenly birth, 

" Hear both ; but they are little worth. 

They are the muWrings of the past 

Produced anew from faithful cast 

Of memory's mystic phonograph, 

At which one now could even laugh, 

But for the fact that they contain 

Some little truth to give one pain. 

The phonographic wheel has been 

Just now reversed by elf unseen, 

To mar your pleasure in yon view * 

Which Nature has displayed for you. 

Those accusations were inspired 

By Prejudice who has expired, 

Or now is dying, in dust prone. 

Where by my order he was thrown. 

My voice, throughout this land, is heard ! 

By almost all, I am revered I 

And, North and South, the nation's throng 

Confess that they have oft judged wrong ! " 

I seized my chance, by strong wish led, 

And, risking charge of rudeness, said : 

" To some, a subject is involved 

In doubt which can by you be solved : 

' Of sections, which war did divide, 

* Sunset-scene. 



JUSTICE ANSWERS QUERY. 107 

Which one had honor on its side f ' " 

She held the scales, well-poised, up high 

A moment, and made this reply : 

" Men, North and South, were all alike ; 

In war as patriots all did strike. 

The South loved South ; the North loved North ; 

And each loved Union, so far forth 

As each esteemed it benefit. 

And, hence, as South regarded it 

An injury, she sought to break 

The Union-bond : hence, too, to make 

The South adhere to compact, was 

Resolved upon by North ; because 

The Union, formed by ev'ry one 

Of all the States, was priceless boon, 

In her esteem, received from those 

Who passed through Revolution's throes. 

North sought her weal, and claimed the right 

To hold in Union, South, by might. 

The South claimed right, which North denied, 

And for that right with vigor tried 

— The right of each as ' Sov'reign State ? 

From Union to separate — 

And in that claim, South thought she saw 

Her weal, as well as right at law ; 

— Her weal, which was; of all things, most 

By her desired, at any cost. 

1 State ' was the patria revered 

By South ; while ' Union ' appeared 

To North, alone as worth the name 



108 JUSTICE WITHDRA WS. 

Of 'Country ' which could justly claim 

Alleg'ance — Thus in honest thought 

Divided, both for country fought. 

Hence patriotism was the pow'r 

Which ruled them both in that sad hour, 

When Peace was bound and rudely slain 

As sacrifice to sectional gain ; 

— For section was the country loved 

By each, as War's red record proved. 

But now the Union doth appear 

To ev'ry State as object dear ; 

Self-love the motive principal, 

United with good-will to all. 

The multitude on either side 

The line which did this land divide 

Should readily give honor due 

To all ' on either side \ who threw 

Themselves, their fortunes, lives — their all I — 

On altar of what each did call 

His country; and few do ref 

To honor; fewer still, abu*c : 

And all rejoice that War's rude hand 

No longer waves above this land. 

O, foaming streams of human blood 

Need not have run like mountain-flood ; 

Not one man would in war have died 

If all had chosen me as guide!" 

Into the air her form withdrew, 
And quickly passed beyond my view. 



ANOTHER MAID. 109 

But, while intent and sad I gazed 
At her receding, 'round me blazed 
A wondrous gleam of mellow light, 
Like that oft seen on winter-night, 
When thoughtless Dawn has lost his way, 
And, in his consequent dismay, 
Caused by the fear he may be late, 
Has erring, rushed to Northern gate ; 
And, finding there his sad mistake, 
Stands troubled now what course to take, 
Then resolute, he swift turns back, 
And hast'ns to his wonted track ; 
— Thus, trembling, 'round me shone the sheen, 
Despite the Sun's rays, plainly seen. 
It staid ; and soon was steady grown ; 
And 'mid it, lo ! a presence shone ! — 
A maid, with robe like snow, — so white ; 
And radiant, like the morning light, 
And girt with golden cincture, set 
"With gems beyond all estimate ! 
A torch and gleaming blade she bore ; 
While, on her brow, a crown she wore. 
"Are you not Themis," quick I said, 
" Returned, with raiment changed, bright maid ? 
The countenance is surely hers, 
As, too, the graceful form appears. 
In naught you seem another, save 
The raiment, torch and sword you have." 
" I am not," gently she replied ; 
" But we are kindred close allied. 
10 



110 TR UTH SPEAKS. 

My office is to plain reveal 

The errors threatening man's best weal 

In ev'ry avenue of life, 

And, also, show the good, so rife 

Throughout the sphere in which man moves; 

Which good, past history well proves, 

Would from man's view, all lie concealed, 

Were it not by my light revealed. 

Her name you know ; and mine, (forsooth, 

You can by this time tell,) is Truth." 

" Permit the question, why you wear 
A victor's crown, since Errors share 
Dominion o'er the minds of men 
With you ? " said I ; and straightway, then 
I felt that I had been quite rude 
And culpable thus to obtrude 
So bold a question on the maid : 
And word apologetic said, 
To which she mildly gave reply : 
" You've done no wrong in asking why 
I wear this wreath while Errors, bold, 
A partial rule o'er man's mind hold. 
Tm crowned because where'er I go 
I conquer, the' my march be slow. 
For proof, an adage will avail. 
Well known to you : 'Truth mud prevail? 
.Especially within this land 
Upon whose soil we both uow stand, 
I have a right to wear this crown ; 



TRUTH SPEAKS. Ill 

Which may in words, quite few, be shown : 

This Continent would now be known 

To aborigines alone, 

Had not my torch's brilliant ray 

Enabled one man, far away, 

To realize its presence here, 

As though his eyes beheld it near ; 

And cheered him 'mid discouragement 

While trav'ling Europe's continent 

For aid — and, too, while coming o'er 

Atlantic's main to hither shore. 

When once 'twas found, how many came 

To this 'New World'! And yet, my flame 

Which led and cheered Columbus, shone 

Upon the path of ev'ry one, 

Across the ocean to the strand, 

And on to new homes in strange land ; 

— As cloud, by day, and fire, by night, 

To Canaan led the Israelite ! " 

" And your Republic owes to me 
The fact that it began to be ! — 
And that, to be it has not ceased, 
But has in greatness much increased ; 
— Though many dangers have been cast 
Athwart its path, from first to last ! 
Again : 'Tis true, that to all lands 
Inventions have been sent, which hands, 
In this l new world/ seized in the light 
Which my torch sheds, both day and night, 



112 TR UTH SPEAKS. 

And ' arts/ with untold blessings fraught, 

To ply which men by me were taught ! 

Go ask the millions of this land 

On what foundation, firm, do stand 

The blessings which they now possess, 

And hopes of others — they'll confess 

Their present great prosperity, 

And hope of what it yet shall be, 

Are both dependent on the pow'r 

Which I am wielding ev'ry hour. 

The world is here, it can be said, 

In representatives : and led 

By me till useful knowledge reigns 

In all their minds, and naught remains 

Of ignorance to hinder sure 

And rapid progress in the pure 

Ennobling principles of life 

Which foster peace and banish strife, 

These representatives will go 

Back whence they came, and light bestow 

Upon their nations till the world 

Becomes an empire grand, controll'd 

And blessed by my benignant hand : 

Then shall I reign in ev'ry land, 

And Erroi's will me victor own ! 

— Why should I not wear now, the crown ? " 

" Inspired by knowledge I revealed, 
Men, brave, with spirits well annealed 
By trials of their faith and zeal, 



TRUTH SPEAKS. 113 

Have gone forth at the risk of weal, 
To search in lands but little known 
For gems of fact where they were strewn 
By art or nature long ago ; 
And coming back those gems to show 
And give as presents to the world, 
Have gone forth yet again, and hurl'd 
Into the sea huge mountains; and 
Deep rivers emptied ; made the sand 
In quick-sands^/irm; filled valleys up; 
Great lakes made small as baby's cup ; 
Hewed down vast forests ( — to use those 
Mateinal barriers which oppose 
The moving footsteps of mankind, 
For checks to conquests of the mind — ) 
And greater treasures, still, have gained : 
Nor yet have they from search refrained." 

u Beneath the light which I have lent, 
The land known as 'Dark Continent ' 
Attracts the world's attention now ; 
And t'wards its shores full many a prow 
Is turned by nations who do strive, 
In noble contest, to derive 
The profits from the largest share 
Of wealth's great sources, which have there, 
By Deity's creative hand, 
Been placed in lake, and river, and 
In mountain, and in fertile plain, 
And harbors (close to rolling main 
10* 



114 TR UTH SPEAKS. 

Which washes south and western coasts,) 
Like those of which this New World boasts." 

" With pleasure I the future view, 

And see the race of ebon hue 

Now dwelling here in low estate 

Of mental power and growth, so late 

Set free from slav'ry's galling chain 

— Which ne'er again will give them pain — 

Returned to Afric's Continent, 

Accomplished to the full extent 

Of their capacity — not great — 

And organized into a State 

Which will illume the Dark Domain, 

Tho', still a part will here remain, 

To be, with men of ev'ry land, 

Who shall upon this soil then stand, 

Grouped as a world in min'ature, 

With minds enlightened — hearts made pure — 

Rich samples (fit for angels' sight ! ) 

Of work accomplished by my light 

— As growing fruits of earth do show 

The pow'r of yon great Sun's bright glow." 

" Thus, what I've here already wrought, 
(Dispensing rays, which, like seeds fraught 
With ample harvest yet to come, 
Shall grow, until this wondrous home 
Of exiles — 'of the brave and free' — 
Refulgent with my light shall be ; 



THE " RA CE" PROBLEM. 1 1 5 

And shine upon earth's moral night, 
As Luna shines, with borrowed light — ) 
Gives me a joy I'm proud to own 
— Entitles me to wear my crown ! " 

" Alas ! " said I, " that Ham's dark race 
So long in bondage here — with grace 
Now wearing Freedom's golden chain 
About their necks — should not remain 
Forever here, with Japheth's sons, 
And Shem's (for blood of Noah runs 
In all their veins the same) and show 
Themselves in qualities which go 
To make man noble, equals true 
Of other men in ev'ry view : 
And mingling ever side by side 
With proud Caucasians, (who deride 
The claim, that races of dark shin 
Can be their equals, though their kin,) 
Attain to highest places State 
Or Church can give ; and freely mate 
In marriage, as their tastes incline, 
With races fair, and thus combine 
The highest qualities of all, 
— Evolving new race, world will call 
i The noblest type of Adam's kind 
That can be — hue, physique and mind.' " 

" The ideal race you speak of, would 
Have been produced already, could 






1 1 6 THE " RACE" PROBLEM. 

It ever be — But you appear 

Scarcely , in what you say, sincere ! " 

Said Tkuth, intently gazing, while 

Her dazed appearance made me smile. 

Continuing, the fair maid said : 

" If Ham was black, and Shem was red 

And Japheth pure (Caucasian) white, 

Their children intermar'ying might 

Have, ( — some do think — ) produced the brown 

And yellow races — not yet shovm 

Superior, in any way, 

Nor equal to the white ; though they 

Do evidently far excel 

The black race; as you know full well. 

Mixing of races has been tried 

Quite often in this land, and wide 

The mark — a higher type — (if set,) 

Has ev'ry effort flown ! Forget 

Not, friend, that mingled waters flow 

Not higher, but, t'ward plane below 

The highest source whence streamlet springs : 

— And so it is in other things. 

The great Caucasian race now stands 

The first on earth ; which fact commands 

Assent : 'that greater could not grow 

From it joined with a race below.' 

Still, the position you assume 

Is broad enough to leave vou room 

To plead for privilege you claim 

For Negro race : that the true aim 



THE "RACE" PROBLEM. 



117 



Of intermixing races, (brought 

To lowest point of object sought,) 

Is to secure a race above 

The grade in which ' Hani's children ' move ; 

And finally to lose all trace 

Of black-skin and Negro race. 

But this my friend cannot be done ! 

The white race and the black, in one 

Distinct new race will not unite ; 

For, offspring will show marks ( — despite 

Fond hope, — ) distinct of this or that 

Race, — white or black — in broad nose, flat ; 

And short kinked hair ; and skin quite dark ; 

— Or straight hair ; nose and skin of mark 

Caucasian. Progeny, indeed, 

Of offspring nearest white, with speed 

At any time, may take black hue, 

Which nature on ancestor threw." 



" Of men the races known are five : 
The name of i races ' they derive 
From differentiating marks, 
Quite manifold ; just as the larks, 
And eagles, thrushes, red-birds, crows, 
And other ' races 7 which compose 
The feathered kingdom, not alone 
Differ, in hue — as is well known. 
These feathered classes never mate 
Though each class thinks itself as great 



118 THE "RACE" PROBLEM. 

As other. And all, ev'ry where, 
Are free to range both earth and air." 

She ceased ; and I, emboldened, spoke : 

" Surprise I hope I'll not provoke ! 

— If Adam, who of earth was made 

Was black; and Eve, who, it is said, 

Was made of bone, took color white ; 

When they in marriage did unite, 

Their offspring might have yellow been : 

Hence it will readily be seen 

The other races — red and brown 

Would, from cross-mixing these, have grown ; 

Thus ; black and' yellow, brown produce ; 

And brown and yellow, red — (mis-use 

Of word I've made, it may be said, 

In calling copper-color, red /) 

The white, and black might thus have passed, 

For aye, when 'first pair' breathed their last, 

But for the fact you just, so well, 

Expressed : * Experience doth tell 

That offspring, colors may divide 

Of parents, or, from either side 

Take color full; and even back 

From middle colors take pure black 

Or white ! ' Does not this the'ry give 

A cause for races which now live ; 

And put all arguments to flight 

'Gainst marriage of the black with white? 

For, no new race can be, you say ; 



THE " R A CE" PROBLEM. 119 

While races old would, in this way, 
Forever be maintained, by sure 
Process, in races jive, and pure ! " 

" How can this the'ry be not right ? 

— If first pair both were black, whence white f 

Or if both yellow, red, or brown, 

Can advent of the rest be shown ? 

If both were white, we find same lack 

Of reason to account for black, 

And consequently for the rest 

( — All offspring of one pair, confessed — ) 

Unless an ape and human came 

Into the marriage bond — (for shame ! — ) 

The offspring taking human shape 

Combined with color of the ape ; 

But can this supposition stand 

The test in this enlightened land ? 

Do you not think this the'ry right : 

'Adam was black! and Eve was white?'" 

Truth made but short reply to this, 
By which she race-theme did dismiss : 
"That first mankind, female and male, 
Were both ichite, nothing can avail 
To controvert ! The ' chosen race/ 
Their direct lineage can trace 
By record, back to Eden's 'pair' 
— Jews are Caucasians, everywhere ! 
It matters not how mankind came 
To be in unlike races, Shame, 



120 THE "RACE" PROBLEM. 

Upon those who amalgamate, 

Imprints her brand, at any rate ! 

For, < Yellow/ < White/ < Black/ ' Brown/ and 'Red' 

Hold in contempt their own who wed 

Those of another race ! Which fact 

Deals sure destruction, by impact, 

To the assumption, that by right. 

In marriage races may unite ! 

As I have said, Caucasian race 

Is greatest now upon the face 

Of earth ; yet other races may 

Become quite great, provided they, 

Maintaining racial purity, 

(Which only can give surety 

Of high development of race 

Peculiarities which grace 

Those grand divisions of mankind,) 

Use opportunities they find 

For growth in greatness, as they move 

Along the paths which God above, 

Hath pointed out for them to tread 

In light my torch and sword do shed ! 

Diversity in unity 

Is shown in the community 

Of men at large. How beautiful 

Variety appears ! How dull 

Would e'en the beauteous rainbow seem 

Were colors mixed in muddy stream ! 

That each race hath its own career. 

Of God appointed, is quite clear 



THE "RACE" PROBLEM. 121 

To me. And, therefore, should each race 
With jealousy maintain its place, 
By guarding its distinctive hue 
With watchfulness and vigor due. 
Caucasian race is purest known 
On earth, because it does disown 
Offspring, of whom, it is not sure 
Both parents were Caucasians pure ! 
Let other races do the same ; 
And trust the future for their fame! 
Jl^ The world's best weal, to well-insure, 
The ~Ra.ces, five, should be kept pure! 
Miscegenation cannot raise 
The lower races ! And I praise 
Caucasians, that they ne'er will yield 
The racial vantage which they wield 
Within your land, where races meet 
— As freemen, all, each other greet ! 
For, should Ham's children always stay 
Here, time will never be when they 
Will be the peers of Japheth's sons 
— E'en of the very humblest ones — 
Or occupy, in Church or State, 
Positions you have styled as i great ' ! 
— Should e'er Caucasians fall so low 
As to be level with Negro, 
Then Negro will give surest proof 
Of his contempt ; and rise aloof ! 
The Freedmen, here, will one day see 
That though all are, in this land, free, 
11 



122 A DEMURRER. 

Yet Japheth's sons will ' man,' and guide 

The ' Ship of State/ whatever betide 

— That Negro socially ne'er can 

' Move side by side with Caucasian ' 

— That, the new cry : 'Away with caste/ 

Heard in the north will cease, at last ! 

— And, heeding Wisdom's plain command, 

Those 'Sons of Ham' to 'father-land' 

Will go ; and form, as I have said, 

A State in Africa ; and shed 

Light on the minds of tribes therein 

With whom they are close-joined in kin ! " 

I dropped the theme and silent stood : 
Yet, Truth was in such pleasant mood, 
" It seems to me that Errors crowd 
Within this land/' said I, " and loud 
Assert high claim, on age and youth, 
To homage, due to you, O Truth ! 
And what they ask, each one receives 
In part, at least ; for man believes 
What Error teaches — turns away 
From what your presence does display : 
And Wickedness goes hand in hand 
With Error, through this wretched land ; 
While Hopes of good men feel the pall 
Of dark Despair upon them fall, 
Whilst yet those Hopes are in their prime 
And buoyant at the thought, that Time 
Has brought almost within their grasp 



DEMURRER CONTINUED.— {Discord. ) 1 2-°> 

The objects which they reach to clasp, 

— This is the hist'ry of the past, 

As well as present. Do but cast 

A glance upon the record made 

By crimes, of almost ev'ry grade, 

In public walks, and private life ; 

By ERRORS, (noxious, thrifty, rife, 

— Like poisonous weeds 'mid growing grain ; 

Or, dark, unsightly, — like the stain 

Of soot on bosom of the snow, 

Or like Night's shadow on Morn's brow,) 

Seen in the practice and the creed 

Of Church as well as State ; indeed 

Of Science, Art, and what else can 

Affect the rights or weal of man. 

— Methinks you'll, then wear Doubt's dark frown 

Upon your brow, beneath that crown ! " 

" While yet this nation's life and name 
Were new, dark-visaged Discord came 
To council-chamber, claimed and took 
A seat whence she could overlook 
The doings of the chosen few 
Who met — a fact well known to you 
Who, with calm Wisdom also, sate 
Within that room, to actuate 
To legislation, true and wise, 
The gifted men who did comprise 
The body representative, 
Possessing powers the States did give. 



124 DEMURRER COJS T1NUED — {Discord.) 

Around that seat of Discord, drew 

Malignant Errors, whom you knew ; 

And Discord could not long restrain 

Her eagerness, nor did refrain 

From speaking when she once began, 

Until she'd thwarted ev'ry plan 

By Peace suggested, which to her 

At all repulsive did appear. 

Those Errors, too, meanwhile concealed 

Facts which your torch should have revealed. 

Peace left the seat she occupied, 

Abashed, alarmed ; and just outside 

The door forlorn for long time stood 

Keflective, wishing that she could 

To silence Discord, plan devise ; 

She was approached by Compromise, 

Adroit of thought and speech who said 

1 What troubles you, O noble maid ? ' 

She promptly then her trouble told : 

Into that chamber, ardent, bold, 

He entered ; and — by word and look, 

Accomplished what he undertook 

— Drove Discord scowling from her seat 

Into the outer world. 'Complete,' 

The vict'ry was confessed by all : 

Peace smiling, entered Council-Hall ; 

And from the nation did arise 

Loud shouts of praise to Compromise ! " 

"Resolved that ruin should be irrought, 






DEMURRER CONTINUED.— {War's Career.) 125 

Discord the fierce assistance sought 
Of War — among those demons chief 
Who sow the seed of human grief. 
He broke the council ; with rude hand 
Drove Peace away, and ruled the land ; 
He marshalled armies ; and with sword 
— A gift from Pluto — stalked abroad. 
A picture true of his career 
Will never anywJiere appear ; 
Unless some fallen Raph-a-el 
Shall paint one on the wall of hell, 
Assisted by some Angelo, 
To be admired by fiends below ! 
He fed on human flesh ; and quaffed 
From hearts as cups, hot blood ; and laughed 
To see the forms and limbs of slain 
And lacerated men, like grain 
Sown from the hand, fly o'er the field ; 
The soldier's dying groan did yield 
Him music ; as aroma sweet 
Th' expiring breath of youth did meet 
With smile and shout from him, like flow'r 
Fresh-plucked from Flora's gorgeous bow'r, 
And crushed in hand, would pleasure give 
To one who is compelled to live 
Amid Augean odors ; fair 
Transporting pictures by Despair, 
For him, were drawn upon the face 
Of wounded ; while, with mimic pace 
Of fun'ral march, he mocked the wail 
11* 



126 DEMURRER CONTINUED. 

Of widows — But 'twill naught avail 

To make an effort more to tell 

Of his vile deeds, which you know well." 

" Since "War retired, Mistrust and Hate 
Have held high carnival in State, 
And in the souls on either side 
The line by which War did divide 
The land, and forced each part in strife 
Most deadly to contend for life. 
And now a gloom as dark as night 
Rests on our land because through spite 
A wicked wretch, his spleen to vent, 
Has slain our chosen President." 

" So, too, not only here, but there 

And there again and EVERYWHERE, 

Injustice, rapine, fraud and war, 

Records of men and nations, mar. 

Is it not true, O Maid, despite 

Thy claim, that men call each cause ' right 9 

Which may by force of arms be won f 

That men can say ' Thy will be done ! ', 

To God, and then go forth to slay 

Their fellow- men — try ev'ry way 

To compass their destruction ; and 

Above their lifeless victims stand, 

And smiling say : l Through God we've wrought 

This deed: yes, to their death we've brought 

These prostrate forms, by just decree 



DEMURRER CONTINUED. 127 

Of Heaven, because they would not be 
Submissive to our will ; though men, 
They were — our equal, fellow-men !'?" 

" Oft-times the wrong has fall'n before 
The right upon the field of gore : 
Then, plainly it to men has seemed 
That Justice held the sword which gleamed 
In triumph. But sometimes has wrong 
O'er conquered right sung victory's song ; 
And often, when right has prevailed, 
Wrongs, greater than the one assailed, 
Have been made allies by the l right ' 
— Have won the vict'ry, by their might — 
Then, too, in Justice' sacred name 
Have victors waved their banners : Fame 
Has placed fresh laurels on the brow 
Of War ; and men have cried, ' See how 
War, righteous judgment, does accord ! 
— When nations disagree, the Sword 
Gives verdict just, as though the word 
Decisive, from God's throne were heard ! ' " 

" The God to whom such praise is giv'n 
For war's results, once came from heav'n, 
And with men walked, and plainly taught 
' Man's conduct should with love be fraught ; 
Such love as each for self doth feel 
He should toward others show, with zeal.' " 



1 28 TR UTH'S REJOINDER. 

" If men possessed the same esteem 
For others' rights as theirs, they'd deem 
War, which is now styled ' Art sublime ' 
And ' science noble/ heinous crime ! 
Then would the evil war has wrought 
Be seen as great, — the good as naught, — 
In all the hist'ry of the past, 
From man's first j raticide to last!" 

" In presence of such facts, fair Maid, 

— Review of which I have essayed 

In part — I cannot now forbear 

To ask you if your right to wear 

That victor's crowx, is not in doubt 

E'en to yourself f Be frank ! Speak out ! " 

I quailed to think of what I'd said ; 

But grew composed as spoke the maid : 

u Be calm, short-sighted mortal friend, 

And closely to my words attend ! 

I'm well aware that sin exists ; 

And that vain man full oft resists 

The influ'nce sent upon his mind 

And heart for good ; and that we find 

Both ills and errors ev'rvwhere 

— In other lands, as well as here. 

Yet much of what appears to be 

Error is man's perversity 

In doing wrong, whilst what is right 

Lies full in view beneath my light. 






TRUTH'S REJOINDER. 



129 



But, come ! review the good as well 
As ill you've been so prompt to tell ! " 

" In l Declaration ' which was made 

Just at the nation's birth 'twas said : 

'All men are equal born, and free ; ' 

To which the people did agree 

As precious fact — yet slavery 

Existed in the land ! Now, though 

Dark Discord did confusion throw 

Upon the counsels of the land ; 

And War did broadcast with his hand 

Prolific seeds of woe ; yet, still, 

The harvest o'er, my light did fill 

The minds of all, and slavery 

"Was driv'n away — then 'blacks' were free 

And ' whites ' confessed they ought to be ! 

— Was that not tkophy won by me f " 

" Beneath my light the people read 
What one illumed by it had said : 
'Self-preservation is the first 
Great law of nature.'' Some States burst 
The bands of Union to preserve 
Themselves, while others, to conserve 
The Union, with restraining hand 
Held those retiring — then the land 
Was deluged with terrific flood 
Of gushing, foaming human blood, 
Upon whose current there were toss'd, 
By myriads, mangled forms, the cost 



1 30 TR UTH'S BE JOINDER. 

Of peace which might have been retained, 

As well as after war, regained. 

My light shone on the while : and men, 

By aid of it, saw plainly, (when 

The clouds of passion passed away,) 

That to preserve is not to slay ; 

That no good was by war procured 

Beyond what peace might have secured ; 

While ills which followed in war's train 

Were terrible — would long remain ; 

That tho' an evil disappeared 

At end of war (when angels cheered !) 

— A race from bondage was set free — 

Yet that was plain said not to be 

The object of the North, by those 

Who ruled, and offered war to close, 

And promised never to displace 

A shackle from the sable race, 

Provided South would but observe 

The compact — Union Preserve — 

While South the prompt reply did send : 

' 'Tis not for slav'ry we contend, 

But for the liberty we own 

As sov'reign States — Let us alone ! ' ; 

That when war closed the States were then 

Just as before the war they'd been, 

(At peace, in Union,) and agreed 

To law by which the slaves were freed. 

Ah ! then, by most 'twas plainly seen 

'Twere better far had war not been — 






TR UTH'S REJOINDER. 1 31 

Had slaves been granted liberty 

By States which claimed full sov'reignty, 

(Which States, as now, would then have found 

Their weal to rest on Union bond, 

And would have used their sovereign pow'r 

To strengthen union more and more ;) 

That, civil-war is suicide ! 

That, for the Union to divide 

Might be but to destroy outright 

Both State and Union ; to unite 

The South as conquered States, not free 

And equal with the North, would be 

As truly to break Union 

As ' State secession ' would have done ; 

That ' States all equal, men all fkee 

Would make best Union that could be ! " 

" War gave to thousands name and pay 

As soldiers ; pointed out the way, 

For some, to Fortune's treasures, (free 

To all who find them ;) led with glee 

The nation in a joyous whirl 

Of patriotism — like the girl 

Of yore, (who for her father danced, 

As he, from war, t'ward home advanced,) 

Indulged in. Yet not names and pay 

And Fortune's treasures, could outweigh 

The tribute laid by War upon 

The nation — part on ev'ry one ; 

While Jeptha's heart was not more sad 



132 TR UTWS REJOINDER. 

When Silence hushed the voice of maid, 

— That daughter, young, to him so dear ! — 

( — When she withdrew ne'er to appear 

Again within his loving view, 

Jephtha no deeper sorrow knew — ) 

Than thousands felt throughout this land 

Who realized war's stern demand ! 

The wickedness of war impressed 

The nation. Some their fears expressed : 

' How can a Union gained by blood 

Receive approving smile of God ? ' 

Blood, shed in fratricidal war 

Does now, indeed, with dark stain mar 

This land's escutcheon — marred before 

By slavery. But, as now o'er 

Ills which attended slavery 

The nation grieves, the time will be 

When full confession will be made : 

'The nation sinned when it arrayed 

Itself against itself; and strove 

In deadly conflict,' which did move, 

In heaven and earth, the good and true 

To wonder, and to pity, too ! " 

" See ! All enlightened nations are 

Becoming loth to enter war. 

Whene'er agreement can be made 

Between those who dispute. The ' blade ' 

Is dernier resort e'en now ; 

And some day will k be turned to plough' 



TR UTH'S BE JOINDER 1 33 

And l spear will change to pruning-hook ' 
— As was foretold in prophet's book ! " 

" Good men and angels will rejoice 

Ere long to hear each nation's voice 

— In concert, all — ' We do agree 

To settle questions peaceably 

By means of International Courts, 

As man with man to law resorts.' 

Then, War the officer will be, 

If needed, to enforce decree : 

As 'posse comitates', all 

The nations will obey his call, 

Whose arm will be so fierce and strong, 

When once outstretched, that 'twill be long 

Ere nation, afterwards, by act, 

Attempt the peace-bond to infract" 

" Those heroes who are worshiped now, 
(Whose heads beneath the sod lie low 
Or, conscious of renown, with grace 
Wear chaplets which the people place 
Upon them, almost daily wove 
Of praises fresh — new buds of love), 
By future generations will 
Be honored as brave men whose skill • 
Was manifested in the art 
Of murder. (The conspicuous part 
Performed by each, which brought him fame, 
Would then be viewed as cause for shame, 
12 



1 34 TR UTH'S REJOINDER. 

But for the fact that, charity 

Will credit the barbarity 

To darkness of the soul and mind 

— Sin's shadow resting on mankind — ; 

Just as the duellist, in past 

Esteemed, is now with rnurd'rers classed:) 

War is the work of demon-mind, 

Wrought through the passions of mankind 

Peace is approved of God above, 

And is maintained through human love ! 

War brought this land unrest and toil, 

Like stormful ocean has, but oil, 

Which was on waters poured by Peace 

Whom my light led, made unrest cease. 

Now, just as yon bright setting Sun 

Sends gifts alike to ev'ry one, 

So do this country's blessings flow 

To rich and poor, to high and low : 

And as the trees and flow'rs and grass 

And other growths of ev'ry class, 

And stream, and rock, and barren slope, 

Yea, all within his strong eye's scope, 

In mutual love and peace receive 

Whate'er that generous Sun does give ; 

And as the smiling of the sands, 

And clapping of the glad trees' hands. 

And laughing of the waters' voice, 

Go back to make the Sun rejoice, 

So do most people in this land 

In bond of mutual love now stand, 



TR UTWS REJOINDER. 1 35 

And for the blessings which are sent 
Reflect their joys on Government." 

" Mistrust and hate do not exist 

Throughout this laud, as you insist. 

A few bad men their hatred keep : 

And some speak hate that they may reap 

A profit by their speech of ill ; 

But confidence and love do fill 

Most hearts of all the millions here ; — 

Which doth by many proofs appear. 

Yes, as they all in this sad hour 

Feel, each like each, grief's crushing pow'r, 

Because a devil using hand 

(The only one he could command 

For deed so vile) of man here found, 

Has deeply pierced with painful wound 

The nation's ruling Magistrate, 

Beloved, as such, in ev'ry State, 

So are most hearts now closely tied 

By kindliness, throughout this wide 

And long extending, free domain 

— From Lakes to Gulf, from Main to Main. 

None love with purer love than they 

Who once were foes in ' blue ' and l grey ? ; 

While o'er the graves of those who fell, 

Their duty doing, bravely, well 

To North or South, the Nation stands 

In grief: and, yearly with her hands 
She crowns her pallid sons in ' blue ' 



1 36 TR UTH'S BE JOINDER. 

And sons in ' grey/ with chaplets new 
— Thus I have told some triumphs won 
By me : and still my light shines on !" 

" Great social battles will be fought 

Within your land, when glittering thought 

Like polished, keen-edged, blade will be 

Brandished by leaders of the free, 

Pointing to where runs high the strife 

Upon whose issue hangs the life 

Of your Republic, or welfare 

Of large communities, whose share 

In Legacy of Freedom must 

Defended be by battotrthrvist. 

The minions of the demon 'Diink ' 

Will press the nation's youths to brink 

Of ruin, ere Sobriety 

Win to her standard moiety 

Of those who ballot-franchise wield. 

Those minions may not ' quit the field/ 

Yet they, throughout the land, will meet 

W r ith stunning check or full defeat. 

Monopolists ( — those plutocrats ! — ) ; 

And social-theory-acrobats 

( — The Anarchists and Nihilists — ) ; 

And every clan which now insists 

On legislation for ( a class, ' 

Tho' that be fondly styled ' the mass ' ; 

Capitalists and Labor-Leagues ; 

And Syndicates that work intrigues 



TR UTWS PERORA TION. 1 37 

— All these will be controlled by right 
Perceived by freemen through my light ! " 

" All things on earth e'en those most dark, 
Possess of light the latent spark, 
(Absorbed, or placed there by the Lord,) 
Which friction will make blaze abroad. 
E'en doth the sea drink in the rays 
Which beam from sun's face through the days : 
These rays afford the fishes light 
In darkest hour of darkest night; 
And may be seen in lustrous glow 
Where vessels through the waters plow. 
So, through my agency, hath Heav'n 
To mankind inward radiance giv'n. 
Tho' mind, in iguorance may seem, 
Opaque, it holds a living beam : 
If clothed in error's night of gloom, 
Friction will make the radiance loom. 
The light I shed from torch and sword 
Doth to each human soul afford 
Full knowledge of the honor due 
To man and to the only true 
And living God. And everywhere, 
Fruits of that knowledge now appear : 
Men break their idols, give their lives 
In loving, living, sacrifice 
To welfare of their fellow-men, 
(Thus showing love to God unseen). 
Lo ! fast and faster, idols fall : 
12* 



138 TRUTH'S PERORATION. 

And, more and more, on God men call. 

My light is reaching far and wide: 

And knowledge spreads like deluge tide." 

" If winter- winds chant strains of woe, 
And sky, sad-faced, wrap earth in snow, 
And bird and beast retire, downcast, 
As though earth's life were overpassed, 
Yet, by-and-by, will zephyrs come, 
And, folding up, bear to their home 
As treasure rich, the winding-sheet 
Of snow-flakes (laid in wondrous plait 
By hasty hands upon Earth's form, 
Cold as if dead ;) and, Earth, made warm 
By that same burial dress, the while, 
AVill ope her eyes, arise, and smile ; 
— Her variegated robe resume, 
All redolent of sweet perfume ; 
Feast on repast which bounteous snn 
Will spread, as he has often done, 
And, strengthened thus, her work renew. 
( — Present to bird's, beast's, man's glad view 
Rich fruits and flowers wrought by her skill) 
And say : 'Behold! I'm living still."" 

" Tho' clouds may veil the face of morn ; 
And Bay may wear a look forlorn, 
And hide her face in lap of Xight 
And weep because the wonted light 
Is absent from the scenes she views. 



TR UTITS PERORA TION. 1 39 

Whilst she her chosen path pursues, 
Yet, Time will take Morn's veil away ; 
And Night will lead the weeping Day 
Into the presence of the Sun, 
Whose beaming smile will swiftly run 
With healing pow'r throughout the whole 
Of his dejected daughter's soul ; 
And she will visit earth again, 
And smile on mountain and on plain, 
Rejoicing, that her tear-drops shed 
Have grass and fruit and flow V fed, 
And made the hungry earth look glad, 
And streams go laughing as if ' mad.' 
— Like manna which in darkness fell 
Fed Israel, as your Scriptures tell." 

" So too, tho 7 Errors do surround 

My path ; tho' Evils do abound ; 

Tho' Devils strive to quench my light, 

While Satan, watching with keen sight 

From porch in front of open door 

Of lurid palace, casts all o'er 

The moral world his shadow dark, 

Yet, in due time, my torch's spark 

And two-edged blade will hold full sway : 

Those Errors, all, will flee away, 

And ev'ry Evil drop its head 

Before my sword discomfited ; 

While. Satan, calling Devils home 

From ev'ry place where they may roam, 



1 40 TR UTH'S PERORA TION. 

Will shut himself and them within 
His palace, lit with burning sin, 
— As owls and bats do all retire 
When angels build their morning fire 
Upon the beauteous pearly hearth 
Which rests on Eastern bound of earth ! " 

She waved her sword ; and lo ! a light 
Rushed from it than her torch more bright ! 
"My torch," she said, "is Reason's Flame; 
My sword, THE WORD OF GOD ! " 

" Your claim," 
Cried I, "to wear that Victor's Crown 

O radiant Maid" 

LO! SHE HAD FLOWS ! 



CLOSING SCENES 



141 



Closing Scenes. 



SCENE ON AN OLD BATTLE-FIELD. 

I westward looked, and as I, rapt, admired 

The scene, the Sun, with princely mien, retired 

Adown the jasper steps at base of which 

His palace stands, in gem adornments rich. 

And when into his chamber he had passed, 

Then Twilight came to palace-dome, and cast 

A monitory glance, and with her hands 

Waved * into silence all these eastern lands. 

Lo ! Those same potent wavings brought the dead 

Forth from their graves: and by the faint light shed 

From beacon, which the beauteous Venusrf holds 

In turn with Mercury f f to light the wolds 

Within the Sun's most ample palace-court, 

(Where nightly many spirits pure resort,) 

As priests ' in turn * at altar close attend 

* Reference is here made to the oscillations noticeable at twi- 
light. 

t Evening-stars. 

143 



144 SCENE ON AN OLD BATTLE-FIELD. 

That they the fading sacred fires may mend, 

I plainly saw forms moving to and fro, 

Late risen from their graves in plain below. 

I knew the plain must have been battle field 

Where hundreds did their lives untimely yield. 

Alarmed, I quickly moved t'ward glim'ring light 

Of farm-house, seeking shelter for the night. 

But as I moved those airy forms moved too, 

As albatrosses near a ship will do. 

On either side, behind me, and before, 

With equal step they moved, as in the yore 

They learned in measured, martial, pace to tread, 

E'er yet their names were numbered with the dead. 

Soft music, like JEolian notes most clear, 

Came stealing on the quiet ev'ning air. 

— Those spirits sang in spirit-voice more sweet 

Than earthly tones which human ears do greet. 

They sang the " sadness wrought in late passed hour, 

When greatness fell before a madman's pow*r;" 

They sang a welcome to the murdered Chief 

Executive — which filled my heart with grief, 

As they anticipated his demise 

Despite the prayers ascendiug to the skies, 

They startled me with loud triumphant shout. 

As joining hands, they compassed me about 

In circles all concentric, and around 

Me moved, while at the centre I was found, 

Though I went forward constantly. Ere long, 

They sang a grand apostrophizing song 



ON THE WAY TO A FARM-HOUSE. 145 

To "Union Sealed with Love." My soul was 

thrilled ! 
"While with the melody the air was filled ; 
( — It seemed the nation — Dead and Living — sang!) 
And heaven's arch with wondrous echo rang. 
From joining chorus I could not refrain ; 
And shouted, " Union Sealed with Love/' amain ! 
— Those spirit-forms departed from my sight 
As quickly as the lightning sheds its light ! 
The echo of that song died on my ears, 
As gently as the rainbow disappears ! 



Seeking Shelter. 



The distant farm-house light 

Did now no nearer seem 
Than when my eager sight 

First caught its welcome gleam. 
Yet on I rode with speed, 

By pleasing prospect cheered, 
Till, just before my steed, 

A lustrous mist appeared. 
Trembled the steed for fear ! 

Speechless the rider stared 
At forms — two chieftains — near, 

With sword-points crossed, prepared 
For deadly conflict on 

A grassy plat beside 

13 



146 ON THE WAY TO A FARM-HOUSE. 

The road, where mildly shone 

The mist, now spreading wide. 
A pause ! then sword-points dropped : 

Promptly both warriors spoke 
— Spoke but OXE word and stopped ! 

Then each his own sword broke; 
Repeated spoken word ; 

And throwing to the ground 
With force his broken sword, 

Each clasped the other 'round 
In fond embrace of love, 

And "BROTHER!", said again. 
Then from the air above 

Came sudden shout : "In twain 
The swords are broke! For aye 

The North and South unite 
Love's goldex chain, which they 

Once broke with ill-spent might ! " 
Like spacious theatre 

Lighted up brilliantly, 
The air did then appear 

Filled with gay soldiery, 
Who gave applause amain, 

As both the chieftains, bound 
About with glit'ring chain, 

( — Their swords still on the ground — ) 
First, arm in arm, went forth ; 

Then, turning face to face, 
Moved slow apart — one XortJi 



ON THE WAY TO A FARM-HOUSE. 147 

One South — with equal pace, 
Until remote in air 

They stood; while stretched between, 
Thai golden cable ( — fair 

True emblem — ) could be seen 
In gentle motion, swayed 

By the transparent sea, 
Quiv'ring as it conveyed 

Love's message constantly. 
The scene was grand ! My brute 

Looked up in calm amaze. 
Forgetting to be mute, 

I spoke aloud in praise : 
— The curtain fell! the play 

Was stopped ! and ev'ry light 
Went out ! th' assembly gay 

Retired in haste ! and Night 
The empty play-house closed, 

And walked forth in her crown, 
Whose gems I ne'er supposed 

Were bright as then they shone ! 

Their soft sheen illumined our path, 

And lit up the fields all around. 
We reaped well the rich after-math 

Of beauty we constantly found, 
As onward we moved through the field 

Of vision with scenes ever new ; 
— Where ev'ry thing promptly did yield 



148 ON THE WAT TO A FARM-HOUSE. 

Us tribute. The small gems of dew, 
Like birds' eyes, from bush and from tree 

Peeped shyly ; and on stubbles lay 
Like boat-lights which one may oft see 

Close crowded at night in a bay. 
Like fairies appareled in gold 

And silver quite tastefully mixed ; 
Like lone shepherd watching his fold ; 

Like huge giant, sadly transfixed 
With spear of his still huger foe ; 

Like other scenes yet, did the fog, 
From lowlands to hills rising slow, 

Make shrubbery seem. O'er the bog, 
The coy ignus fatuus shone 

Out brightly, and went out by turn. 
" Thou wicked elf, hate you us? None 

But foe, Jack o' Lantern would bum 
A treacherous light" plain I heard 

A fairy not far from me cry: 
I looked for her — nothing appeared 

Excepting a lone fire-fly ! 
I smiled at the rude fairy's ire, 

Evoked by sly fancy's prompt skill ; 

And turned me to see if the fire 

Was held by " Jack " o'er the bog still. 
— ' Twas near me, and dazzled my sight ! 

My steed stopped! The wonder was great! 
— Jack's Lantern was naught but " The Light 

Ln the Farm-House ! " My steed stood at gate ! 



AT THE FARM-HOUSE.— At Home. 149 

Just as fair Luna to the zenith rose, 

Beneath the farmer's roof, I found repose. 
Morn gently woke me. — Lo ! I was at home ! 

— Whilst I revolved scenes through which I had 
come, 
Gay Fancy y presently, to me appeared, 

And said : " You owe to me what you have heard 
And seen ; tho' Truth did furnish many a thought 

Which I into my pictures gladly wrought." 



Finis. 



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